When is It Time to Move? Comparing Life at Home vs. Senior Living
- Kelsey Bakken
- Oct 10
- 2 min read
Many older adults choose to stay in their homes as long as possible, but too often the move to senior apartments or assisted living happens only after an emergency or major change in health. Considering your options early can help you make a confident, proactive decision.
If you’ve been wondering whether it might be time for a change, here are four things to keep in mind as you weigh your options.
Consider the Cost
The cost of moving into senior apartments or assisted living can definitely feel daunting, but have you ever considered how expensive it can be to maintain a home over time? Monthly expenses like utilities, internet, trash service, and property taxes add up quickly. Then there are the bigger, unpredictable costs — a new roof, furnace, or aging appliances that need replacing. Try adding up what you spend on these things and compare it to the cost of a local senior apartment or assisted living community. You might be surprised to find that many of those monthly costs (and even groceries, if meals are included) are already covered.
Home Safety
As we get older, everyday spaces can start to feel a little less simple to navigate. Stairs, uneven floors, shower thresholds, and even cluttered walkways can become unexpected challenges. A simple step up to the porch or a trip to the basement might not feel as easy as it once did. Falls are one of the leading causes of injuries among seniors. Taking a good look at your home’s layout and safety features can help you decide whether it’s time to consider a space that’s easier to move around in and better suited to your needs.
Home Maintenance
Owning a home takes a lot of upkeep, and it goes far beyond sweeping the floors or doing the dishes. There are gutters to clean, lawns to mow, snow to shovel, and repairs that always seem to pop up out of nowhere. As time goes on, these tasks can become more physically demanding and harder to keep up with. Even simple chores, like stepping onto a stool to change a lightbulb, can start to feel risky or exhausting. While hiring help for yard work or repairs can make things easier, it also adds to the overall cost of maintaining a home. If home maintenance is starting to feel overwhelming, it may be a sign that a smaller, more manageable space could make life a lot simpler.
Could You Benefit?
The idea of selling your home and moving into a senior living community can bring up a lot of emotions (and it’s easy to focus on the negatives). One of the biggest benefits of transitioning to a senior living community is the freedom it gives back. Without the daily responsibilities of yard work, home repairs, or cleaning, older adults can focus on what truly matters—spending time with loved ones, pursuing hobbies, and simply enjoying life. Senior apartments and assisted living communities are designed to make life easier, offering a comfortable, maintenance-free lifestyle with built-in support. Many provide personalized care and services such as medication management, housekeeping, meals, laundry, engaging social activities, transportation, and 24/7 staff to ensure safety and peace of mind.
Download a Flyer Version of this Blog Post
Comments