Helping Aging Parents
Guidance for What's Next at Home.
When you're concerned about your parents' home, knowing where to begin can feel overwhelming. Whether they hope to stay, make changes, downsize, or move closer to family, I can help you explore the housing options and make a thoughtful plan.
When You're Concerned About Your Parents' Home, Where Do You Begin?
Maybe you've noticed that the stairs are becoming more difficult. Perhaps Mom is living alone in a house that's more than she needs. Or your parents are considering moving closer to family, but no one is sure what makes the most sense. These decisions aren't always easy, and they rarely involve real estate alone.
I'm Beth Bedore, a Middle Tennessee REALTOR® and occupational therapist with specialized training in senior housing, home modifications, and aging in place. I help families look at the bigger picture: how a home supports everyday activities, what changes might make staying possible, and when another living arrangement may be worth considering.
Sometimes the right answer is to stay. Sometimes it's to move. My goal is to help you understand your options and make a thoughtful, informed decision.
Ways I Can Help
- Explore whether staying in the current home makes sense
- Identify potential changes to discuss with appropriate professionals
- Consider renovations and accessibility updates
- Evaluate rightsizing or downsizing
- Explore moving closer to family in Middle Tennessee
- Discuss housing alternatives and relevant local resources
I am a REALTOR®. I do not provide medical assessments, licensed construction, or senior placement services.
How People Live in a Home
"I don't just look at how a home is designed. I look at how people live in it."
My real estate experience and background in occupational therapy help me consider how movement, balance, reach, and everyday routines interact with a home's layout and features.
- REALTOR® with Compass
- Occupational Therapist (OTR/L)
- Certified Senior Housing Professional (CSHP)
- Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS)
- Executive Certificate in Home Modification (ECHM), University of Southern California
Frequently Asked Questions
Should my parent stay or move?
There's no single right answer. We'll look at how the current home supports everyday activities, what changes might make staying possible, and when another living arrangement may be worth considering. I'll help you weigh the options so your family can decide.
What home features should we consider?
Common considerations include a bedroom and full bath on the main level, step-free entrances, shower access, lighting, and how far everyday items are from reach. I can point out features to discuss with appropriate professionals.
How do we approach downsizing?
We start with your parent's goals and timing, then plan the sale of the current home and the search for the next one. I can also share local resources for sorting, moving, and estate needs.
What if I live out of state?
Many families I work with coordinate from a distance. I serve Middle Tennessee and can keep you informed by phone, email, and video. If your parents live elsewhere, I can try to refer you to a professional in their area.