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What if the difference between a peaceful transition and a family meltdown is six months of honest planning? We sit down with occupational therapist and certified hand therapist Christy Heyer, founder of Comfortable Aging Solutions, to map a clear path to aging at home with safety, dignity, and less drama. Christy’s story is gripping: at 42 she survived a spontaneous coronary artery dissection, flatlined for two and a half minutes, and saw firsthand the cracks in a complex healthcare system. That experience fuels her mission to help families plan before the fall, the stroke, or the discharge date forces rushed, costly decisions.

We get practical fast. Christy breaks down home safety with a clinician’s eye: textured grab bars placed for the actual user, sliding transfer benches that beat fancy remodels, and decluttering as the first intervention. She explains why elder law attorneys—not generalists—are essential, how to think about trusts and powers of attorney, and what Medicare and long-term care insurance really don’t cover. We talk numbers, trade-offs, and how to name roles so meds, money, meals, and transportation don’t fall through the cracks.

Technology takes center stage with smart, approachable upgrades: voice assistants for lights and reminders, non-camera sensors for fall awareness, and future-ready homes designed for access, not just aesthetics. We also face the human truths—ageism, guilt, caregiver burnout, and the reality that old family patterns often get “more so” with time. Christy offers boundary-setting tactics, micro-break ideas that actually happen, and a reminder to bake joy into every day, whether that’s a 2 pm cookie ritual or a hobby that makes you light up.

If you want a plan that respects your values and protects your relationships, this conversation is your starting point. Subscribe, share with someone who needs it, and leave a review to help more families find a calmer, safer way to age at home.

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Got a comment or idea? Send us a text.

Ever wish your home could flex with real life—injuries, illness, toddlers, workouts, flu season, or just wanting to stay put without sacrificing style? That’s the heartbeat of our conversation with accessibility consultant and realtor Jackie Haddon, whose rare mix of SRES, CAPS, universal design expertise, and clinical social work reframes the whole “aging in place” debate. We dig into the words that shut people down, the stories that change minds, and the practical fixes that quietly prevent falls, cut future costs, and keep dignity front and center.

Jackie shares the deeply personal ALS story that pulled her from running a mental health agency into housing advocacy, design, and certification. We unpack what really derails independence—one-inch thresholds, tight bathrooms, misplaced outlets—and how caregiver-informed planning avoids expensive do-overs. For builders and remodelers, Jackie offers a powerful shift: it’s not upselling, it’s stewardship. If a client’s goal is staying 20 years, ethics and economics both say “design for it now.” For realtors, we talk about making accessibility discoverable in the MLS with standardized features and clear definitions so families can finally search for what they need.

We also look ahead: ADUs as elegant downsizing options, multigenerational housing as a rising norm, and policy incentives pushing Type A accessibility beyond ADA. Jackie’s standout example is a luxury multigenerational home that hides accessibility in plain sight—artful grab bars, generous wet rooms, beautiful finishes—proving safety can be stunning. Whether you’re a homeowner, contractor, designer, or part of the sandwich generation, you’ll leave with practical language, smarter checklists, and a new lens: universal design isn’t about age, it’s about being human.

If this resonated, share it with someone planning a remodel, subscribe for more human-centered housing insights, and leave a review to help others find the show.

Thanks for listening!

Sign up to our Homeowners Newsletter - it's a weekly newsletter filled with expert tips and advice on how to age safely and more comfortably in your own home.

If you provide services for modifying homes for disabled or seniors aging in place, sign up to our directory and expand your business.

Got a comment or idea? Send us a text.

A spare bedroom can change a life. We sit down with Co‑Life Seniors founder Derek Snook to explore how live‑in companions help older adults stay independent, connected, and safe at home—without the crushing costs of assisted living or round‑the‑clock agency care. The story starts with Derek’s unconventional path—from a homeless mission to day‑labor reform and a global road trip—and lands on a clear idea: simple, human relationships can solve problems that money alone cannot.

Together we dig into the nuts and bolts of intergenerational home sharing. How do you define tasks and boundaries? Who’s the right match for a senior who wants light help versus someone who needs cooking, cleaning, and rides? Derek explains the screening process, background checks, and family interviews that shape each placement, plus how owner‑occupied rules let seniors choose preferences that fit their comfort and culture. We also talk contracts, notice periods, and why flexibility beats rigid lock‑ins when real life changes.

Beyond logistics, this conversation tackles the bigger picture of aging in place. With care costs soaring, families need practical options that honor dignity and daily rhythms. A good companion becomes eyes and ears in the home—someone who notices a missed morning routine, offers a ride, or simply shares a meal. We also touch on partnerships with aging‑in‑place consultants, financial planners, and healthcare professionals to build a support network that grows with changing needs. If you’re weighing ways to keep a parent—or yourself—rooted at home, this is a grounded, hopeful blueprint for making it work.

If this conversation helped you think differently about aging, share it with a friend, leave a review, and subscribe for more practical strategies and real stories.

Thanks for listening!

Sign up to our Homeowners Newsletter - it's a weekly newsletter filled with expert tips and advice on how to age safely and more comfortably in your own home.

If you provide services for modifying homes for disabled or seniors aging in place, sign up to our directory and expand your business.