Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:01):
Welcome back everyone
.
You're listening to the Agingin Place Directory podcast, the
show where we don't just talkabout living longer, but about
living better and staying in theplace you'll call home.
I'm your host, robin Schiltz,and today's episode is
tailor-made for landlords,property managers and renters
who are keen to make rentalproperties more welcoming and
(00:23):
functional for aging adults.
Let's face it most rental homesweren't built with the twists
and turns of aging in mind.
Picture this narrow doorways,slippery tubs, fumbling with
tiny doorknobs, bad lightingthat hides every tripping hazard
.
Sound familiar, but what if Itold you that, with some smart,
(00:44):
sensible upgrades, your rentalcould invite in a future where
comfort, safety and independenceare the rule and not the
exception?
Stick around as we unpack thepractical, the affordable and
even the ingenious ways you canmake your rental property aging
in place friendly.
Whether you rent out duplexes,manage an apartment building or
(01:06):
just want to future-proof yourown rental space, this episode
is packed with actionable adviceand a bit of humor along the
way.
So let's start with the basicquestion why bother making
rental properties more suitablefor aging in place?
Well, besides the obviousreason treating renters like
human beings it's also smartbusiness.
(01:29):
The United States is seeing amajor demographic shift, a
silver wave, if you will.
By the year 2025.
This year, the number ofAmericans aged 65 and older is
projected to reach 73 million.
That's about one in five people.
Many prefer to remain in theirown homes rather than move into
(01:51):
care facilities, which means themarket for safe, accessible
rentals is only going up.
But there's a catch Most rentalproperties were built before
universal design or aging inplace was even a phrase in the
dictionary.
This episode will help youbridge that gap, so you can not
(02:11):
only do good, but do well.
So let's start with thefundamentals.
What is aging in place?
Well, aging in place is quitesimply the ability for people to
live in their own home safelyand comfortably for as long as
they choose, regardless of age,income or ability level.
But, unlike your favorite pairof house slippers, homes don't
(02:34):
naturally break in as we age.
They need a little help, anudge, to become more accessible
.
So what makes a propertyaging-friendly?
At its heart, it's comfort,safety, mobility and
independence.
With that in mind, let's walkthrough the big upgrades and
subtle tweaks that can turn astandard rental into a haven for
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someone aging in place.
Number one is start with empathy.
Assess the property through anew lens.
Before you reach for thattoolbox, reach for a fresh
perspective.
Walk through the property as ifyou have limited mobility.
Imagine using a walker or awheelchair in this property.
Notice every threshold, step,narrow hallway and complex lock.
(03:20):
Do you have to stoop or stretchor bend awkwardly?
And complex lock.
Do you have to stoop or stretchor bend awkwardly?
Is the lighting sufficient?
Can you easily grip doorknobsand faucets or are they more
suited for acrobats?
A comprehensive walkthroughwith a checklist is the first
step.
Even better, get a friend or aprofessional with experience in
(03:41):
accessibility or mobility issuesto go with you, because they
will spot things you miss.
Next up is the entryway.
So we're talking both firstimpressions and ongoing safety
here.
If the front door, getting tothe front door, is a
steeplechase, you're off to abad start.
You want to minimize steps andconsider installing ramps where
(04:03):
possible.
Want to minimize steps andconsider installing ramps where
possible For doorways.
You want to make sure they'rewide enough for a wheelchair and
a walker, so you want to aimfor at least 36 inches wide.
Bonus for resale value.
This also makes movingfurniture in and out a little
bit easier.
Let's look at locks too.
You want to replace traditionallocks with the lever style
(04:26):
handles or with smart locks.
They're easier for people withlimited grip or arthritis and
can provide extra security.
Plus, there's no more fumblingwith tiny keys under a
questionable porch light.
Speaking of lighting, we'llmove on to lighting, and the
motto here is let there be morelight.
Falls are the number one causeof injury among seniors.
(04:50):
Good lighting is your firstline of defense.
So put in motion-activatedlights.
These reduce late-night gropingin dark hallways, especially
for bathroom trips.
And consider task lighting.
Add under-cabinet lights in thekitchens and reading lamps in
living areas.
Use LED bulbs they're energyefficient and provide brighter,
(05:13):
steadier light than old-schoolincandescent bulbs.
And use high-contrast switches.
Rocker switches, ideallyinstalled at a reachable height,
are easier to use thantraditional toggle switches.
Next on the list is the floors.
This is where the rubber meetsthe road or the toe meets the
table leg.
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Slick floors and area rugs withturned up corners and raised
thresholds waiting to trip thecareless, you can see why floor
safety is essential.
So first you want to removetripping hazards, eliminate
loose rugs, tape down cords andsmooth out any uneven flooring,
and then you want to installnon-slip flooring in bathrooms
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and kitchens and consider carpetfor bedrooms and living rooms.
Just be sure it's low pilecarpet and securely fastened.
And also, you want to use lowbeveled thresholds.
If this isn't possible,consider threshold ramps.
Number five on the list isbathrooms, which is also known
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as the danger zone.
If there's one room that makesevery senior nervous, it's the
bathroom.
Slippery surfaces, awkwardspaces and lack of stability
combine for a hazardousconcoction.
So what changes can make adifference?
Well, installing grab bars forone.
If they're put in besidetoilets and showers and along
(06:38):
tubs, that's going to help somuch.
And you want to make surethey're anchored safely to a
stud.
How about walk-in showers andtubs, kerbless showers or even a
bariatric walk-in tub forhigher weight people and
capacities are game changers.
Then there's non-slip mats andflooring, which you want to use
(06:59):
in any wet surface area, andthere's raised toilet seats.
These are a low-cost upgradethat makes all the difference
for people with knee, hip orbalance issues.
And consider a handheld showerhead.
They're flexible, easy todirect and perfect for seated
bathing.
And speaking of seated bathing,then you want to consider
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shower benches, portable orbuilt-in either.
One adds a crucial option forthose with balance or fatigue
issues.
Did you know that eveninstalling a simple toilet riser
can maintain independence forpeople with balance issues or
arthritis.
It's a difference you'll notice, or they'll notice, every
(07:45):
single day.
Now let's think about kitchens.
This is where accessibilitymeets independence, because
kitchens can be a minefield foranyone with arthritis or
mobility limitations.
So here's how to make cooking apleasure, not a hazard.
Again, lever style handles forcabinets and drawers.
(08:07):
You want to swap out knobs forD-shaped pulls or the
lever-style pulls.
Put in pull-out shelves.
No more crouching and diggingthrough the back of the pantry.
You want lowered or adjustablecountertops, if the budget
permits, and you can considerputting in touchless or single
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lever faucets.
They're especially helpful forthose with a limited grip.
And again, lighting.
You want under cabinet lightsand rocker switches to help
brighten every kitchen workspace.
Number seven on our list isbedrooms and living spaces.
You want the bedroom on themain floor, if possible, and
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also a full bathroom on the mainfloor.
You want non-slip carpeting tohelp prevent falls, especially
when getting in and out of bed,and adjustable closet rods to
bring storage within easy reach,so there's no more stretching
or use of step stools.
Again, motion sensor lightsbecause, let's be honest, no one
(09:08):
likes stubbing their toe at 3am.
And you want a declutteredfloor plan, so a renter should
arrange furniture to create wide, clear paths, which is
especially important for walkersand wheelchairs.
A bonus tip is to use highcontrast colors for furniture
and trim.
It sounds decorative, but ithelps people with declining
(09:31):
vision, distinguished edges andreduces the risks of accidental
bumps.
Moving on to number eight, thedetails, sometimes it's the
little things that have thelargest impact.
You want easy open windows, sotake note of window latches.
They easy to grip and use.
And, again, lever style faucetsand handles used throughout the
(09:53):
home.
Panic buttons or emergency callsystems can be diy smart home
devices or professionallymonitored.
Thermostat placement should belowered for easy access and
consider a large print, digitalmodel and pets.
Allowing pets can boostemotional well-being for older
(10:14):
adults.
Have you thought about techupgrades like smart locks and
allowing keyless entry and evenremote access for caregivers or
relatives?
Or there's voice activatedassistance that can help with
turning on lights, adjustingthermostats and calling for help
.
Again, motion detectors andcameras they provide extra
(10:35):
security and ensure peace ofmind.
And how about automatic blindsand lights, which are especially
useful for people with limitedvision or limited mobility?
Useful for people with limitedvision or limited mobility.
These tasks or, excuse me,these upgrades, don't have to
break the bank and they oftenpay off with greater safety,
convenience and property value.
(10:57):
All right, thinking about theoutside and the surrounding
community, make sure to haveaccessible parking and reserve
close widened spaces for tenantswith mobility issues.
For landscaping, keep paths andentryways level and clear and
well lit.
And if there's anywherepossible to put in an elevator
(11:17):
in a multi-story building, youwant to be sure it is in good
repair, or consider chairliftsif an elevator isn't feasible.
Something to consider is thehuman factor.
No upgrade beats clear andrespectful communication between
tenants and landlords.
So encourage tenants to sharetheir needs as they change and
(11:38):
be open to reasonableaccommodations.
Remember that listening is asimportant as hammering, and for
landlords, being proactive aboutaccessibility sets you apart in
a crowded market.
Now that we've talked throughthe list, what about
affordability and the cost ofthe renovations and upgrades?
Well, I have some good news.
(11:59):
A number of high impactadjustments are inexpensive and
quick to implement, such as grabbars in the bathroom.
They run about $15 to $50, andtheir impact is very high.
They prevent falls.
Non-slip mats and flooring runabout $10 to $100, and their
impact is high because theyreduce the hazard of slipping.
(12:22):
Led light bulbs also have ahigh impact for better
visibility and they run $2 to$15 a bulb.
Lever style handles run $10 to$30 a door.
They have a medium impact,making it easier to open doors.
Raised toilet seats run $25 to$80 and have a high impact for
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bathroom accessibility andpull-out shelves $50 to $200 a
shelf.
$80.
And have a high impact forbathroom accessibility and pull
out shelves $50 to $200 a shelf.
They have a medium impact andgive you kitchen independence.
For bigger renovations likewalk-in showers, wider doorways
or ramps, consider grants, localgovernment programs or
splitting the cost over severalyears.
(13:07):
Many property owners don'trealize how quickly the age
demographic of their tenants isshifting.
By making aging in placemodifications, you not only
improve your tenants' livestoday, but you increase the
lifespan, value andattractiveness of your property
for years to come.
And remember good design isgood for everyone.
To come and remember gooddesign is good for everyone.
(13:30):
Wider hallways aren't justhelpful for wheelchairs, they
make move-in day easier andlever handles benefit people
carrying groceries just as muchas those with arthritis.
So we've come to the end oftoday's list and I'd like to
leave you with some finalthoughts.
First, try to make aging inplace the norm, not the
exception.
First, try to make aging inplace the norm, not the
exception.
Let's leave cookie cutterrentals in the past.
Every adjustment, big or small,brings us closer to a world
(13:53):
where people can stay home, liveindependently and age with
dignity.
If you're a landlord, propertymanager or even a savvy tenant,
you have the power to make thesechanges.
So thanks for tuning into thisepisode of the Aging in Place
Directory podcast.
If you found the episodehelpful, please share it with a
friend, your landlord or yourproperty manager.
(14:15):
I mean, let's spread the wordthat aging in place isn't just a
trend, it's an all-out movement.
So until next time, keepthriving, keep advocating and
remember the home should alwaysbe a place to grow older happily
and safely.
Until next time, take care Bye.