SilverHome | Answers for Elders

Most people want to remain in the home they love, but the home may need to change as their needs change.

Aging in place isn’t simply about staying in your house — it’s about creating a plan that supports how you want to live. Thoughtful remodeling and design can make a home safer, more functional and beautiful without making it feel institutional.

A home is often one of our largest assets AND one of the most emotional decisions we face as we age. Staying, modifying, selling or moving shouldn’t begin with a transaction — it should begin with understanding the person’s goals.

We help people think proactively about the choices, resources and support that can help them remain independent. We help people think ahead about how their home can support them for years to come, and help older adults and families make informed real-estate decisions for the years ahead.

The SilverHome Radio Show is part of Answers for Elders Radio, and airs the second week of each month. Listen Saturdays at 12:00 PM on AM 1000 | 97.7 FM (Northwest Newsradio).

Meet Your Hosts

Barry Long, ABLE Environments

I’ve always believed life is meant to be lived—preferably with a little adventure and a whole lot of laughter.

And yes, I happen to be a paraplegic.

That hasn’t stopped me from bungee jumping, crowd surfing, mountain biking, or, in my younger days, racing wheelchairs for Team USA. I’ve never been particularly interested in sitting on the sidelines—or letting someone else decide what’s possible for me.

But the best adventures in my life aren’t necessarily the crazy ones.

They’re the ones I share with my wife, Emily, and our kids, Gavin and Grace. They’re the people who remind me that ultimately, a great life is about showing up, having fun, and making memories with the people you love.

Interestingly enough, that same philosophy found its way into my work in real estate.

Because I’ve learned firsthand that where and how we live can have an enormous impact on how fully we get to live.

As our lives change, our homes sometimes need to change with us. That doesn’t mean our lives have to get smaller. With the right environment, the right resources and a little creativity, the next chapter can still be one heck of an adventure.

That’s one of the reasons I’m excited to be part of Answers for Elders.

I hope our conversations help you think differently about what’s possible. I hope we answer some questions, probably create a few more, and definitely have some fun along the way.

Because if there’s one thing life has taught me, it’s this: Adventure isn’t about what you can or cannot do. It’s about being willing to show up and enjoy the ride.

See you on the radio!

ABLE Environments
email | website
About me | My podcasts

Tom Minty, ABLE Environments

Tom Minty is a longtime Puget Sound residential real estate professional, accessibility specialist, educator, and industry innovator who has helped pioneer the transformation of accessibility information from vague and inconsistent real estate descriptions into standardized, structured, and searchable property data.

With more than 20 years of experience as a REALTOR® with John L. Scott Real Estate, Tom has built his career around helping people find homes that work not only for where they are today, but for how they want to live in the future. Tom founded ABLE Environments in 2004 and has spent years advancing the understanding of accessible housing and Universal Design while working to improve how accessibility features are identified, documented, marketed, and discovered.

Working alongside ABLE co-founder Barry Long, Tom has helped develop standardized, searchable accessibility features for real estate listings and professional education that gives real estate professionals the knowledge and tools to better serve people of all ages and abilities. Together, they also developed the Accessibility Real Estate Specialist™ (ARES™) designation, providing specialized education in accessible and inclusive real estate.

Their work bridges the consumer and industry sides of real estate, helping buyers find homes that better support their individual needs, helping sellers recognize and market valuable accessibility features, and working with real estate professionals, brokerages, MLSs, and industry organizations to make accessibility a more consistent and meaningful part of residential real estate.

Tom’s work is grounded in a simple belief: accessibility should not be treated as a niche consideration, but as an integral part of how homes are described, searched for, marketed, and connected with the people who need them. Ultimately, everyone, regardless of age or ability, should have a better opportunity to find a home that works for the way they live.

ABLE Environments
email | website
About me | My podcasts

Paul Kocharhook, Pathway Design & Construction

I’m the owner of Pathway Design & Construction. For more than two decades, I’ve had the privilege of helping homeowners transform their houses into spaces that are more beautiful, more functional, and better suited to the way they live. Along the way, I’ve learned that remodeling is about much more than new kitchens or updated bathrooms—it’s about creating homes that promote health, comfort, independence, and a better quality of life.

I’m part of this radio show because I believe homeowners deserve trustworthy information to help them make confident decisions. Our goal is to share practical advice, explore innovative products and building techniques, and discuss topics like aging in place, universal design, healthy homes, sustainability, and creating spaces that can adapt to life’s changing needs.

I also believe that the best solutions come from meaningful conversations. Through discussions with industry experts, local professionals, and homeowners, we hope to answer common questions, challenge misconceptions, and provide insights that empower you to make informed decisions about your home.

Whether you’re planning your first remodel, preparing your forever home, caring for a loved one, or simply looking for ideas to improve the place you live, we hope you’ll find valuable information and inspiration here. Thank you for joining us—we’re excited to be part of your journey toward creating a home that truly supports the life you want to live.

Our Episodes

Alzheimer’s and Aging in Place: How Home Design Can Support Safety, Comfort and Independence

When a loved one is living with Alzheimer’s disease, an important part of the care equation can sometimes be overlooked: the home itself. The physical environment can influence how easily someone moves through a home, recognizes rooms and objects, follows familiar routines and maintains independence. It can also have a major impact on the people providing care. This is the focus of a special five-part conversation on the SilverHome Radio Show with Barry Long, Tom Minty, and Paul Kocharhook. The conversation covers everything from lighting, color and texture to bathroom safety, caregiver accessibility, wayfinding, sundowning and the importance of planning before a crisis occurs.

Answers for Elders

Estate Planning 101: Protect Your Family, Your Wishes and Your Legacy

Senior Real Estate Planning: Protecting Aging Parents, Wealth and Independence