Aging In Place Directory

#51 - How to Make a Rental Property More Aging in Place Friendly

• Esther C Kane CAPS, C.D.S. • Episode 51

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The demographic shift toward an aging population creates unique challenges and opportunities for rental property owners and managers. By implementing specific aging-in-place modifications, landlords can make their properties safer, more accessible, and more appealing to the growing market of older renters while increasing property values.

• America's "silver wave" will see 73 million Americans aged 65+ by 2025—about 20% of the population
• Most rental properties weren't built with aging in place or universal design principles
• Many high-impact changes (grab bars, lever handles, lighting) are affordable, costing $10-100

Best of all - aging-in-place modifications benefit all tenants, not just older adults!



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Speaker 1:

Welcome back everyone. You're listening to the Aging in Place Directory podcast, the show where we don't just talk about living longer, but about living better and staying in the place 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 rental properties more welcoming and functional for aging adults. Let's face it most rental homes weren't built with the twists and turns of aging in mind. Picture this narrow doorways, slippery tubs, fumbling with tiny doorknobs, bad lighting that hides every tripping hazard. Sound familiar, but what if I told you that, with some smart, sensible upgrades, your rental could invite in a future where comfort, safety and independence are the rule and not the exception? Stick around as we unpack the practical, the affordable and even the ingenious ways you can make your rental property aging in place friendly. Whether you rent out duplexes, manage an apartment building or just want to future-proof your own rental space, this episode is packed with actionable advice and a bit of humor along the way. So let's start with the basic question why bother making rental properties more suitable for aging in place? Well, besides the obvious reason treating renters like human beings it's also smart business.

Speaker 1:

The United States is seeing a major demographic shift, a silver wave, if you will. By the year 2025. This year, the number of Americans aged 65 and older is projected to reach 73 million. That's about one in five people. Many prefer to remain in their own homes rather than move into care facilities, which means the market for safe, accessible rentals is only going up. But there's a catch Most rental properties were built before universal design or aging in place was even a phrase in the dictionary. This episode will help you bridge that gap, so you can not only do good, but do well.

Speaker 1:

So let's start with the fundamentals. What is aging in place? Well, aging in place is quite simply the ability for people to live in their own home safely and comfortably for as long as they choose, regardless of age, income or ability level. But, unlike your favorite pair of house slippers, homes don't naturally break in as we age. They need a little help, a nudge, to become more accessible. So what makes a property aging-friendly? At its heart, it's comfort, safety, mobility and independence. With that in mind, let's walk through the big upgrades and subtle tweaks that can turn a standard rental into a haven for someone aging in place.

Speaker 1:

Number one is start with empathy. Assess the property through a new lens. Before you reach for that toolbox, reach for a fresh perspective. Walk through the property as if you have limited mobility. Imagine using a walker or a wheelchair in this property. Notice every threshold, step, narrow hallway and complex lock. Do you have to stoop or stretch or bend awkwardly? And complex lock. Do you have to stoop or stretch or bend awkwardly? Is the lighting sufficient? Can you easily grip doorknobs and faucets or are they more suited for acrobats? A comprehensive walkthrough with a checklist is the first step. Even better, get a friend or a professional with experience in accessibility or mobility issues to go with you, because they will spot things you miss.

Speaker 1:

Next up is the entryway. So we're talking both first impressions and ongoing safety here. If the front door, getting to the front door, is a steeplechase, you're off to a bad start. You want to minimize steps and consider installing ramps where possible. Want to minimize steps and consider installing ramps where possible For doorways. You want to make sure they're wide enough for a wheelchair and a walker, so you want to aim for at least 36 inches wide. Bonus for resale value. This also makes moving furniture in and out a little bit easier.

Speaker 1:

Let's look at locks too. You want to replace traditional locks with the lever style handles or with smart locks. They're easier for people with limited grip or arthritis and can provide extra security. Plus, there's no more fumbling with tiny keys under a questionable porch light. Speaking of lighting, we'll move on to lighting, and the motto here is let there be more light. Falls are the number one cause of injury among seniors. Good lighting is your first line of defense. So put in motion-activated lights. These reduce late-night groping in dark hallways, especially for bathroom trips. And consider task lighting. Add under-cabinet lights in the kitchens and reading lamps in living areas. Use LED bulbs they're energy efficient and provide brighter, steadier light than old-school incandescent bulbs. And use high-contrast switches. Rocker switches, ideally installed at a reachable height, are easier to use than traditional toggle switches.

Speaker 1:

Next on the list is the floors. This is where the rubber meets the road or the toe meets the table leg. Slick floors and area rugs with turned up corners and raised thresholds waiting to trip the careless, you can see why floor safety is essential. So first you want to remove tripping hazards, eliminate loose rugs, tape down cords and smooth out any uneven flooring, and then you want to install non-slip flooring in bathrooms and kitchens and consider carpet for bedrooms and living rooms. Just be sure it's low pile carpet and securely fastened. And also, you want to use low beveled thresholds. If this isn't possible, consider threshold ramps.

Speaker 1:

Number five on the list is bathrooms, which is also known as the danger zone. If there's one room that makes every senior nervous, it's the bathroom. Slippery surfaces, awkward spaces and lack of stability combine for a hazardous concoction. So what changes can make a difference? Well, installing grab bars for one. If they're put in beside toilets and showers and along tubs, that's going to help so much. And you want to make sure they're anchored safely to a stud.

Speaker 1:

How about walk-in showers and tubs, kerbless showers or even a bariatric walk-in tub for higher weight people and capacities are game changers. Then there's non-slip mats and flooring, which you want to use in any wet surface area, and there's raised toilet seats. These are a low-cost upgrade that makes all the difference for people with knee, hip or balance issues. And consider a handheld shower head. They're flexible, easy to direct and perfect for seated bathing. And speaking of seated bathing, then you want to consider shower benches, portable or built-in either. One adds a crucial option for those with balance or fatigue issues. Did you know that even installing a simple toilet riser can maintain independence for people with balance issues or arthritis. It's a difference you'll notice, or they'll notice, every single day.

Speaker 1:

Now let's think about kitchens. This is where accessibility meets independence, because kitchens can be a minefield for anyone with arthritis or mobility limitations. So here's how to make cooking a pleasure, not a hazard. Again, lever style handles for cabinets and drawers. You want to swap out knobs for D-shaped pulls or the lever-style pulls. Put in pull-out shelves. No more crouching and digging through the back of the pantry. You want lowered or adjustable countertops, if the budget permits, and you can consider putting in touchless or single lever faucets. They're especially helpful for those with a limited grip. And again, lighting. You want under cabinet lights and rocker switches to help brighten every kitchen workspace.

Speaker 1:

Number seven on our list is bedrooms and living spaces. You want the bedroom on the main floor, if possible, and also a full bathroom on the main floor. You want non-slip carpeting to help 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 lights because, let's be honest, no one likes stubbing their toe at 3 am. And you want a decluttered floor plan, so a renter should arrange furniture to create wide, clear paths, which is especially important for walkers and wheelchairs. A bonus tip is to use high contrast colors for furniture and trim. It sounds decorative, but it helps people with declining vision, distinguished edges and reduces the risks of accidental bumps.

Speaker 1:

Moving on to number eight, the details, sometimes it's the little things that have the largest impact. You want easy open windows, so take note of window latches. They easy to grip and use. And, again, lever style faucets and handles used throughout the home. Panic buttons or emergency call systems can be diy smart home devices or professionally monitored. Thermostat placement should be lowered for easy access and consider a large print, digital model and pets. Allowing pets can boost emotional well-being for older adults.

Speaker 1:

Have you thought about tech upgrades like smart locks and allowing keyless entry and even remote access for caregivers or relatives? Or there's voice activated assistance that can help with turning on lights, adjusting thermostats and calling for help. Again, motion detectors and cameras they provide extra security and ensure peace of mind. And how about automatic blinds and lights, which are especially useful for people with limited vision or limited mobility? Useful for people with limited vision or limited mobility. These tasks or, excuse me, these upgrades, don't have to break the bank and they often pay off with greater safety, convenience and property value.

Speaker 1:

All right, thinking about the outside and the surrounding community, make sure to have accessible parking and reserve close widened spaces for tenants with mobility issues. For landscaping, keep paths and entryways level and clear and well lit. And if there's anywhere possible to put in an elevator in a multi-story building, you want to be sure it is in good repair, or consider chairlifts if an elevator isn't feasible. Something to consider is the human factor. No upgrade beats clear and respectful communication between tenants and landlords. So encourage tenants to share their needs as they change and be open to reasonable accommodations. Remember that listening is as important as hammering, and for landlords, being proactive about accessibility sets you apart in a crowded market.

Speaker 1:

Now that we've talked through the list, what about affordability and the cost of the renovations and upgrades? Well, I have some good news. A number of high impact adjustments are inexpensive and quick to implement, such as grab bars in the bathroom. They run about $15 to $50, and their impact is very high. They prevent falls. Non-slip mats and flooring run about $10 to $100, and their impact is high because they reduce the hazard of slipping. Led light bulbs also have a high 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 bathroom accessibility and pull-out shelves $50 to $200 a shelf. $80. And have a high impact for bathroom accessibility and pull out shelves $50 to $200 a shelf. They have a medium impact and give you kitchen independence. For bigger renovations like walk-in showers, wider doorways or ramps, consider grants, local government programs or splitting the cost over several years.

Speaker 1:

Many property owners don't realize how quickly the age demographic of their tenants is shifting. By making aging in place modifications, you not only improve your tenants' lives today, but you increase the lifespan, value and attractiveness of your property for years to come. And remember good design is good for everyone. To come and remember good design is good for everyone. Wider hallways aren't just helpful for wheelchairs, they make move-in day easier and lever handles benefit people carrying groceries just as much as those with arthritis.

Speaker 1:

So we've come to the end of today's list and I'd like to leave you with some final thoughts. First, try to make aging in place the norm, not the exception. First, try to make aging in place the norm, not the exception. Let's leave cookie cutter rentals in the past. Every adjustment, big or small, brings us closer to a world where people can stay home, live independently and age with dignity. If you're a landlord, property manager or even a savvy tenant, you have the power to make these changes. So thanks for tuning into this episode of the Aging in Place Directory podcast. If you found the episode helpful, please share it with a friend, your landlord or your property manager. I mean, let's spread the word that aging in place isn't just a trend, it's an all-out movement. So until next time, keep thriving, keep advocating and remember the home should always be a place to grow older happily and safely. Until next time, take care Bye.

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Esther C. Kane, CAPS, C.D.S.

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