Tag: Paul Kocharhook

When a loved one is living with Alzheimer’s disease, families often focus on medical care, medications, appointments and caregiving schedules. But there is another...

For many older adults, staying in the home they love is an important part of maintaining independence and quality of life. But as mobility, balance, strength or other needs change, the home may need to change, too. And one of the most important places to consider is the bathroom. Bathrooms can present a surprising number of safety challenges. Slippery surfaces, high bathtub walls, narrow doorways, poor lighting, inadequate support, electrical hazards and difficult-to-reach fixtures can all make everyday routines more challenging. Suzanne Newman talks with Paul Kocharhook about how to create safer, more accessible and more comfortable bathrooms.

As summer arrives, many families turn their attention to home improvement projects. Adult children often visit aging parents and notice things around the house that need attention—a sticking shower door, a loose handrail, poor lighting, or a bathroom that no longer feels safe. While do-it-yourself projects can save money and provide a sense of accomplishment, some home modifications carry significant risks, especially when aging in place is the goal. In this episode, aging-in-place specialist Paul Kocharhook joins Suzanne to discuss which projects are safe to tackle yourself, and which ones should always be left to professionals.

Aging-in-place expert Paul Kocharhook discusses practical ways seniors can continue enjoying their outdoor spaces safely. Their conversation offers valuable guidance for older adults who want to remain independent at home, as well as adult children looking to help aging parents stay safe while aging in place.

Whether you’re planning for your own future, helping a loved one stay at home longer, or navigating mobility challenges after illness or injury, this episode offers practical insights. Learn how universal design can make homes safer and more comfortable for everyone, why planning ahead saves money and stress, and how accessibility upgrades can actually increase property value. If you want to future-proof your home and maintain independence as you age, this conversation is a must-watch. Suzanne is joined by Paul Kocharhook, President of Pathway Design + Construction, along with Tom Minty and Barry Long, founders of Able Environments.

Spring is the perfect time to protect your home — especially if you’re aging in place or caring for older loved ones. Suzanne Newman and aging-in-place specialist Paul Kocharhook provide an essential spring home safety checklist. From deck inspections and slip hazards to railings, walkways, and proper drainage, they walk through practical steps to prevent falls and costly repairs before the warmer months arrive. Learn what winter weather can do to decks, concrete, pavers, and pathways — and how to address soft spots, rot, moss buildup, unstable railings, and uneven surfaces. Paul shares expert insights on safer materials, wheelchair-friendly upgrades, non-slip solutions, proper lighting, and how to create smooth transitions from indoors to outdoors.

Suzanne and Paul Kocharhook share a master plan for aging in place. This episode focuses on the strategic planning mindset homeowners need to remain safe, financially secure, and comfortable in their homes as they age. From budgeting realities to long-term value, Paul explains why planning ahead is the most important step in successful aging-in-place remodeling. This conversation dives deep into financial planning, phased remodeling, and prioritization, helping families avoid costly reactive decisions. Whether you’re planning for yourself, helping aging parents, or preparing a multigenerational home, this episode provides actionable guidance on creating a phased, future-ready remodeling plan.

Suzanne and aging-in-place expert Paul Kocharhook explore the rapid rise of multigenerational living and what it means for families planning to age in place. Why are more families choosing to live together? How homes need to adapt to support health, safety, and connection across generations. They focus on the health side of aging in place, including indoor air quality, lighting, thermal comfort, and fall prevention. Paul explains how environmental factors—such as drafty homes, slippery surfaces, poor lighting, and wet weather conditions—can affect seniors and caregivers alike.

Suzanne and Paul Kocharhook continue their conversation on how a home must evolve over time to truly support aging in place. This episode explores the importance of designing and remodeling with both present and future needs in mind—so homeowners can remain safe, comfortable, and independent for as long as possible. Smart remodeling choices—such as preparing for future grab bars, selecting low-maintenance materials, and planning flexible bathroom and kitchen layouts—can prevent costly renovations later.

Suzanne Newman and aging-in-place expert Paul Kocharhook ask: Is your home truly ready for aging in place? With over 90% of baby boomers wanting to remain in their homes, this episode focuses on the planning, design, and safety considerations that make long-term independence possible. They cover practical insights like evaluating stairs, split-level homes, doorway widths, bathroom layouts, and entry access. Paul explains why “master planning” your home early can prevent costly renovations later, while Suzanne highlights the real-world challenges families face when homes aren’t built with mobility, safety, and future needs in mind.