What Every Community Association Should Know About Planning for Aging Residents
What Every Community Association Should Know About Planning for Aging Residents
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Mrs. Thompson has lived in her community for more than three decades. She knows every neighbor on her street, treasures her garden, and has no plans to leave the home where she built her life. But as she gets older, the stairs to her front door feel a little steeper, and carrying groceries has become more of a challenge. She hopes to remain in her home, surrounded by people she knows, but doing so safely may require changes.
This is where her community association becomes part of the picture, since boards often decide what kinds of changes are allowed. When residents like Mrs. Thompson ask for accommodations, boards are faced with decisions that go beyond a single homeowner. How they respond can affect community standards, neighborhood reputation, and even legal responsibilities. Planning for aging residents with care and clarity helps associations show compassion while protecting the community as a whole.
Why Planning for Aging Residents Matters for Associations
The United States is aging rapidly. According to the Census Bureau, by 2030 one in five Americans will be over 65. A large portion of those homeowners live in communities with associations, and most prefer to remain in their homes for as long as possible.
For boards, this trend means more questions about accessibility and fairness. Proactive associations that prepare for these requests avoid last-minute debates and position themselves as steady, thoughtful leaders.
Changing demographics
Most older adults say they want to stay in their homes as they age, with an AARP survey showing nearly eight in ten plan to remain where they are. In HOAs, this can lead to a steady increase in requests for adjustments that make life safer and more manageable for residents. In condo associations, where common areas play a larger role, boards may face broader responsibilities such as improving building entrances, elevators, or shared walkways.
Challenges that arise
What happens if one resident requests a ramp, another asks for reserved parking, and another wants major renovations? Associations may worry about setting difficult precedents or altering the look of the neighborhood. A misstep in how requests are handled could also lead to claims under discrimination laws or fair housing protections. Without clear processes, boards may feel caught between empathy and obligation.
Supporting Residents Without Sacrificing Standards
Mrs. Thompson approaches her board with a request to install a small ramp at her front entrance. To her, it is a practical need. To the board, it raises questions: Will it blend with the neighborhood? What rules apply? Is there a fair process to guide the decision?
Knowing what is reasonable
Requests such as ramps, handrails, or grab bars are generally considered reasonable accommodations. Larger structural changes, such as adding an elevator to a townhome, may require extra review. Boards that define these categories clearly and document a process for handling them are better positioned to treat all residents fairly.
Improving shared spaces
Associations can also show leadership by making shared spaces more accessible. Well-lit sidewalks, clear signage, and smooth walking paths benefit older residents and improve safety for everyone. In condo communities, ensuring that elevators, entrances, and lobbies are accessible can make daily living much easier for residents. Our guide to planning HOA upgrades shares more strategies for approaching these projects thoughtfully.
Offering respectful flexibility
Boards can grant accommodations without losing sight of community aesthetics. For instance, a ramp that uses neutral materials can blend into the existing look of the home. Finding ways to meet residents’ needs while keeping the neighborhood’s look consistent helps prevent conflict and shows homeowners they’re valued.
Protecting the Board Through Clear Rules
Mrs. Thompson’s request for a ramp seems simple, but her board has more questions. Do they have to approve it? What if other residents ask for more changes? Does the ADA apply here? Questions like these are common, and the answers come down to two main laws: the Fair Housing Act (FHA) and, in some situations, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Understanding how each one applies helps boards respond with fairness and avoid costly mistakes.
Fair housing and accessibility basics
The Fair Housing Act gives homeowners the right to request changes that make their homes safer and easier to live in. A ramp at the front door or a wider doorway are common examples.
In practice, boards should look for a clear need tied to safety or mobility. They may ask for basic documentation, such as a doctor’s note, if the situation isn’t obvious. It also helps to consider how the change will look and function in the community. A short, written policy makes this process easier. Treat each request the same way, keep notes on decisions, and set a standard response window so residents know when to expect an answer.
For a quick guide, think of this aging in place checklist:
- What is the need?
- What is the change?
- Where will it go?
- Who will do the work?
- When will it be finished?
Following the FHA framework helps associations avoid potential issues under HOA discrimination laws.
When the ADA comes into play
The ADA covers spaces that are open to the public. If your clubhouse is rented to outside groups or your pool hosts public events, those areas must be accessible.
If facilities are only for residents and their guests, ADA obligations are limited. In those cases, the FHA still guides how you handle requests like Mrs. Thompson’s ramp.
Why documents and training matter
Without updated Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&Rs) or clear design guidelines, boards are left to make case-by-case decisions. Replace guesswork with a short policy that outlines what changes are allowed, what paperwork to submit, who reviews requests, and the decision timeline.
Include basic design expectations so changes blend with the community, such as neutral finishes for ramps and handrails. Then train board members and managers on the steps. A one-page guide, a shared log of decisions, and a yearly refresher keep responses predictable and fair. For residents like Mrs. Thompson, that consistency builds confidence in the board’s leadership.
The Benefits of Planning for Aging Residents
Planning ahead pays off for residents and for the association. Mrs. Thompson gets her ramp, the shared sidewalk near her home receives a handrail and better lighting, and the board now has a clear path to follow the next time a neighbor needs help. When accommodations are paired with inclusive improvements such as benches along walking paths or well-lit sidewalks, the impact extends well beyond a single request and helps the whole neighborhood feel cared for.
- Residents feel supported. When the board listens and follows through, residents like Mrs. Thompson feel safer and more valued in their community. That sense of security strengthens confidence in the board’s leadership.
- Communities grow stronger. Approvals and small upgrades reduce conflict and add stability. Friendships deepen, traditions continue, and property values are protected.
- Reputations improve. A consistent approach and visible results show that the association cares. Buyers see a welcoming neighborhood, and current residents take pride in calling it home.
Partner with the Experts at Management Plus to Keep Your Community Strong
Mrs. Thompson’s story reflects what many communities are facing. Supporting aging residents is both a responsibility and an opportunity. Boards that prepare now protect their neighborhoods, reduce risk, and create places where people want to stay.
At Management Plus, we help boards update documents, train leaders, and create strategies that balance resident needs with community standards. Supporting aging residents means protecting the entire neighborhood. Contact us today to see how we can help strengthen your community with clear, inclusive policies.