By Shaun Shaya — Certified SRES®
Helping Home Buyers, Sellers & Downsizers in Oakland County
Realtor Specializing in Birmingham & Bloomfield Hills
For many older adults, staying in the comfort of their own home—also known as aging in place—is not just a preference; it’s a growing national trend. According to the latest SRES® September/October 2024 report, nearly 90% of adults over 65 want to remain in their current homes as they age.
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As a Certified Seniors Real Estate Specialist® (SRES®), I help seniors and their families across Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, and the greater Oakland County area understand what aging in place truly requires, how to prepare their homes, and when it may be time to explore alternative housing options.
Why Aging in Place Matters — And Why Seniors Need the Right Guidance
Today’s seniors are living longer, healthier lives—and they want independence. The challenge is that many older homes are not designed for long-term mobility or safety needs. In fact:
Only 10% of U.S. homes are considered “aging ready.”
39% of multi-story homes lack an entry-level bathroom.
76% of remodelers report an increase in aging-in-place home modification requests.
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Understanding these realities helps seniors plan ahead. And this is where working with an SRES® like Shaun Shaya can make a meaningful difference.
The Top Concerns Seniors Face When Aging in Place
Many older adults face challenges as mobility, cognitive ability, and daily routines change. These often include:
• Difficulty with stairs and narrow hallways
• Inaccessible bathrooms or kitchens
• Safety risks such as loose rugs, clutter, poor lighting, and slippery floors
• Financial concerns about remodeling costs
Helping seniors evaluate these concerns is central to my role as an SRES®. Together, we look at whether staying at home is feasible—or if moving to a safer, more supportive environment is the better choice.
Home Modifications That Make Aging in Place Easier
The SRES® newsletter outlines significant home improvements that can dramatically improve safety and comfort.
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Some of the most effective include:
Simple, affordable changes
Grab bars in bathrooms
Handheld showerheads
Lever-style faucets
Motion-sensor night lights
Floor lighting for dark areas
Slip-resistant flooring
Organizing cords and clutter
Moderate to major renovations
Curb-less showers
Wider doorways (36 inches)
Entry ramps
Main-floor bedrooms or full baths
Walk-in bathtubs
Smart lighting systems
These improvements can greatly increase safety, comfort, and accessibility.
Which Renovations Add Value — And Which Hurt Resale?
Not all modifications benefit home value. According to the newsletter:
Value-boosting upgrades include:
Main-level full bathrooms
Wide hallways and doorways
Non-slip floors
Step-free entrances
Lever handles
Pull-out kitchen drawers
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Upgrades that may reduce value include:
Permanent exterior ramps
Large industrial grab bars
Walk-in bathtubs (less popular with younger buyers)
In-law suites
Stair lifts
Before remodeling, I help my Oakland County clients understand which upgrades are smart investments—and which may become obstacles when it’s time to sell.
Financing Options for Aging in Place
Many seniors are surprised to learn they have more choices than they think. Options include:
HELOC (Home Equity Line of Credit)
Home Equity Loan
Home Improvement Loan
Reverse Mortgage (age 62+)
State housing finance programs
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As your SRES®, I guide you to trusted financial partners who specialize in senior-focused financing so you understand every option clearly.
Introducing the Redesigned "Next Steps Guide" — A Powerful Tool for Seniors
The SRES® has released a newly updated Next Steps Guide, a comprehensive resource that helps seniors plan for:
Downsizing
Moving
Aging in place
Home safety
Financial planning
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As an SRES® Realtor, I use this guide with my clients to help simplify next steps and bring clarity to every decision.
Why Oakland County Seniors Trust Shaun Shaya
Choosing where—and how—to live in your later years is one of life’s most important decisions. As a Certified SRES®, I offer:
✔ Honest guidance about aging in place vs. moving
✔ Home-safety evaluations using senior-focused checklists
✔ Help coordinating renovations, trusted contractors, and resources
✔ Tailored real estate planning for your next chapter
✔ Deep expertise in Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, and surrounding Oakland County communities
My mission is simple:
To help older adults move confidently, safely, and with total peace of mind.
Let’s Talk About Your Plan for Aging in Place
If you or a family member is thinking about aging in place—or wondering whether it’s time to downsize—I’m here to help.
Contact Shaun Shaya, Certified SRES®
Helping Home Buyers, Sellers & Downsizers in Oakland County
Realtor Specializing in Birmingham & Bloomfield Hills
