Q&A with Kathy Chapman - Realtor & Gerontologist

Touring an ADU in Kirkwood with ADA features

We recently sat down with Atlanta Realtor and gerontologist Kathy Chapman to talk about aging in place, multigenerational living, and why ADUs can offer families another option as they plan for the future.

Tell us a little about yourself and what you do.

I am a native Atlantan. I was born here, and except for college, I've lived my entire life inside the city limits of Atlanta - not many people can say that anymore.

After graduating from the University of Georgia with a degree in journalism, I spent the first 22 years of my career in advertising, working for a magazine and newspaper. Once I had children, though, I realized I didn't want to travel anymore. A friend encouraged me to look into real estate, and I made the switch. I've now been with Harry Norman Realtors for 29 years, and it's been a wonderful career.

You recently earned a master's degree in gerontology. What is gerontology, and what led you to that field?

After my husband passed away three years ago, a friend was taking a gerontology class at Georgia State and thought I'd enjoy it. I signed up, sent in my transcripts, and my friends thought I'd lost my mind.

Gerontology is simply the study of aging. I started by pursuing a certificate, but I enjoyed it so much that I decided to continue and earn my master's degree. Outside of raising my children, it's been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.

Three areas especially captured my interest: palliative care, hospice care, and aging in place - which naturally connects back to my work in real estate. Depending on which study you read, roughly 75% of adults over 55 want to remain in their own homes as they age. Most people don't want to move into assisted living, and even fewer want to live in a nursing home.

ADU in Grant Park for the homeowners mother

When did you begin to see ADUs as a natural connection between housing and aging in place?

Aging in place is really about staying connected to your home, your neighborhood, and your community. To do that successfully, you need things like transportation, nearby family or friends, access to healthcare, and services that can come to you.

I'd always been fascinated by tiny houses from the TV shows, but they didn't really click for me until I started studying gerontology. Then suddenly the light bulb went on.

I realized an ADU - an Accessory Dwelling Unit - is essentially a tiny home in your backyard, but with an incredible purpose. It gives families a way to keep aging parents nearby while allowing everyone to maintain their own independence. It can also serve as a guest house or rental in the future, but for families caring for aging loved ones, it just makes so much sense.

Denise downsized in Kirkwood to move into an ADU in her daughter's backyard - just a few blocks from her former home.

From your perspective, why is multigenerational living so valuable?

Personally, I don't want to spend all of my time surrounded only by older people. I want to hear children playing outside, dogs barking, neighbors walking by - that's what makes a community feel alive.

Many cultures around the world have embraced multigenerational living for generations. In the United States, we've become much less accustomed to it, but I think we're beginning to rediscover its value.

One of the biggest challenges older adults face is isolation. People often focus on mobility - walking, gardening, staying active - but loneliness can be just as dangerous. Research has shown that chronic isolation can have health impacts comparable to smoking.

Multigenerational living helps solve that problem. It's not always easy, but everyone benefits. Parents can help with grandchildren, adult children can help care for their parents, and everyone stays connected instead of living separate lives.

Kathy downsized from her Florida home and moved into an ADU in her son Sean's backyard in East Atlanta.

What role can an ADU play in making multigenerational living work?

That's where I think ADUs are so powerful. They allow families to stay close without everyone living under the same roof. Aging parents maintain their own independence and privacy while knowing family is only steps away if they need help.

It also works both ways. Grandparents can help with children, and adult children have peace of mind knowing they can quickly check on their parents if something comes up.

Then, years later, when that chapter of life has passed, the ADU doesn't lose its value. It can become a rental, guest house, home office, or space for another family member. You're not just solving today's problem, you're adding a long-term asset to your property.

Cary chose to downsize and live closer to family, moving into an ADU in her daughter Eva's backyard in Grant Park.

What keeps more families from pursuing an ADU?

The biggest challenge is that most people simply don't think of it as an option.

When families begin talking about aging parents, assisted living is usually the first thing that comes to mind because that's what they're familiar with. Very few people stop to consider building an ADU instead.

Another major obstacle is downsizing. We don't do downsizing particularly well in this country. People accumulate a lifetime of belongings, and letting go of those things can be emotionally difficult. But almost everyone I know who has downsized says the same thing afterward - they wish they had done it sooner. They don't realize how much mental weight all that stuff carries until it's gone.

I also think ADUs are still a relatively new idea. Most Realtors aren't bringing up the option yet, but I believe that will change as more families begin looking for alternatives.

ADU in Decatur for the homeowners young adult children, and eventually aging parents

Why do you think so many families wait until there's a crisis before having these conversations?

Because it's hard. Talking about aging eventually means talking about losing independence, illness, and ultimately death. Most people would rather avoid those conversations.

The problem is that families often don't act until there's a crisis, and that's usually when you're forced to make the hardest decisions with the least amount of time.

Planning ahead gives everyone more choices.

I've toured many assisted living communities, and the costs can range anywhere from about $4,000 to $15,000 per month - and that often doesn't include additional private caregivers. At the top end, just three years of care can cost well over half a million dollars.

When you start doing the math, it's eye-opening.

ADU under construction in Buckhead for the homeowners parents

If someone is thinking about their parents' future, when should they start planning?

The best time to have these conversations is long before anyone needs care.

When everyone is healthy, you have time to think through your options instead of making decisions under pressure. You can talk openly about what your parents want, what your family can realistically provide, and what makes the most financial sense.

For many Atlanta homeowners, selling a longtime family home could provide enough equity to build an ADU in a child's backyard and still leave significant savings for future care, travel, or simply enjoying retirement. Rather than spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on monthly housing costs, families can invest in a solution that keeps loved ones close while creating a lasting asset for the property.

To me, that's what aging in place is really about. It's about preserving independence, staying connected to the people you love, and making thoughtful decisions before you have to. With a little planning, aging doesn't have to mean giving something up - it can be the beginning of a new chapter that's both financially smart and deeply rewarding for the entire family.

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Thinking about an ADU for a parent or family member? If you're in the Atlanta area, we'd love to help you explore what's possible on your property.