Age in Place: The Urgent Need for Accessible Homes on the Market

This ramp represents more than a modification. It’s a pathway to independence, inclusion, and dignity. As the demand for accessible housing grows, so should our understanding of what it truly means to age in place.

I’ll admit it—I’m absolutely obsessed with architecture, home design, and renovation. My passion for homes that are both beautiful and functional is one of the main reasons I founded AgeWise Home. Recently, while browsing Realtor.com, I decided to take a different approach. Instead of filtering for the usual number of bedrooms or baths, I selected only one filter: disability features.

I was excited—finally, a search option that acknowledged accessibility needs! I clicked on a 2-bedroom, 1.5-bath listing in Southeast Washington, D.C., a renovated home with three levels and off-street parking. As I combed through the photos and description, I searched for signs of the promised accessibility features.

But I found nothing.

As an Aging in Place Specialist, I know that the top safety and accessibility barriers in most homes are:

1. Entering and exiting through all entrances

2. Navigating the bathroom safely

3. Accessing upper floors of the home

   
   

This beautifully renovated property had all three barriers—with no visible solutions in place. It was advertised as having disability features, yet not even the bare minimum was addressed.

Let’s break it down:

🚪 Entrances

The front entrance has approximately seven steps, a narrow walkway, and a railing on both sides. The rear entry appears to have stairs as well, though it’s hard to confirm from the photos. Either way, both points of entry would present challenges for someone with mobility issues or using a mobility aid. Where is the ramp? Level entry? Automatic lighting? These are basic features that make a big difference.

🛁 Bathroom Access

The bathroom is modern and stylish, but style doesn’t equal accessibility. The shower has a raised lip—not a walk-in design—and the tight placement between the shower and vanity would be difficult for someone using a walker or cane. There’s no grab bar, seat, or handheld showerhead in sight.

🛗 Stairs and Second-Level Living

The home has no bedroom or full bath on the main level. The second floor is only accessible via a staircase with sharp angles—not ideal for anyone with balance, strength, or endurance issues. Why not include options like a vertical platform lift, residential elevator, or at minimum, a stair lift hookup?

This is not just about one home. It’s a nationwide issue. Whether you’re in D.C., Atlanta, or Los Angeles, if your home isn’t aging with you, then what’s the long-term plan?

As we help families make safer choices for aging in place, it’s clear that the housing market must evolve. Real estate developers, agents, and even listing platforms need to better define and deliver on accessibility standards. A checkbox labeled "disability features" means little if those features aren’t actually present—or usable.

At AgeWise Home, we believe:

• Accessibility can be beautiful.

• Homes can be both stylish and safe.

• Every family deserves the option to stay in their home, comfortably and independently.

  
  

We provide Home Safety Assessments and aging-in-place consultations to help families evaluate and modify their homes to meet current and future needs. Let’s stop settling for the illusion of accessibility and start demanding real solutions.

Because a home should grow with you—not against you.