“A man travels the world over in search of what he needs and returns home to find it.”
—George Augustus Moore, Irish novelist
Even after a wonderful trip or vacation, many of us feel happiest returning to the familiarity of our own neighborhood, our house, our bed. Homes are more than buildings; they are where we feel safe, comfortable, and surrounded by memories shaped to fit our tastes and routines.
This attachment helps explain why most older adults prefer to remain in their current homes as they age. Research from AARP reports that roughly 76 percent of adults age 50 and older want to stay in their homes as long as possible, and 77 percent prefer to remain in their current communities. Other surveys place the desire to “age in place” even higher—approaching 90 percent in some samples.
Hopes versus realities
Despite a strong preference to stay put, expectations don’t always match reality. The same AARP study found that only 59 percent of older adults expect they will actually be able to remain in their current community—46 percent believe they can stay in their current home and 13 percent expect to relocate to another home within the same community. Part of this gap reflects practical concerns: many homes are not currently set up to accommodate mobility changes or health needs that can arise with age.
About one-third of survey respondents said their homes would need “major modifications” to meet future needs—examples include installing wheelchair ramps or converting a bath to a walk-in shower. Rather than making such investments, roughly one-quarter of those 50 and older said they would plan to move to a different area and home if their care or mobility needs changed.
Deciding whether to retrofit a home or to relocate is a major choice that affects finances, family responsibilities, and quality of life. It’s important to weigh both your wishes and realistic possibilities so you can plan ahead.
>> Related: 3 Reasons Seniors Delay a CCRC Move & Why They Should Reconsider
Considerations for remaining in your home
Whether you choose to stay in your current house and make adaptations, or move proactively to a continuing care retirement community (CCRC) or other senior living option, the core aim is the same: retain independence as long as possible. Planning ahead reduces stress and eliminates rushed decisions when a health change occurs.
Below are 10 practical questions to guide planning if you intend to age in place. Honest answers will help you create a realistic strategy and a backup plan should circumstances change.
- Will you need to modify your home to accommodate reduced mobility or other health changes? What specific changes might be needed?
- Who will handle home maintenance—inside and outside—if you’re no longer able to do it yourself?
- How will you maintain social connections and avoid isolation if mobility declines? Loneliness can have serious health consequences.
- Should you install a medical or emergency alert system? Which type best fits your needs and lifestyle?
- Who will assist with daily living tasks such as bathing, dressing, or toileting if you can’t manage on your own? Are family members available, or will you need paid help?
- If family members provide care, have you discussed the potential emotional, physical, and financial impact on them?
- If you hire in-home caregivers, who will manage hiring, scheduling, and any payroll or legal requirements?
- Who will supervise paid caregivers to ensure quality care and prevent neglect or abuse?
- How will you finance home modifications, maintenance, alert systems, and paid caregiving if those services become necessary?
- If your needs eventually exceed what can be safely provided at home, where will you go for a higher level of care and who will manage that transition?
>> Related: Which is Better: An Independent Caregiver or Home Care Agency?
Important issues to ponder
Seeing these topics together can feel overwhelming, but each is important when planning to age in place. Discussing them with family and trusted advisors now allows you to build a practical plan and a contingency strategy, making it more likely you can remain safe, comfortable, and independent for as long as possible.