At-Home Senior Living vs. Community Life: 15 Things to Consider Before You Decide
Choosing where to live as you age is a major decision that can deeply impact your health, safety, and quality of life. While aging at home may offer comfort and familiarity, senior living communities provide connection, care, and peace of mind. This guide explores key questions to help you decide which option is right for you.
Where you live matters — more than you might realize.
Where you live affects your health, happiness and even how long you live. As we age, most of us hope to remain in the comfort of our own houses for as long as possible. But is that always the best, most realistic or affordable option? Maybe — or maybe not.
As you consider your future, it’s important to be proactive. Rather than waiting until a crisis forces a decision, it’s wise to think ahead about what kind of living situation or lifestyle will truly support your wellbeing, independence, quality of life and financial peace of mind as you grow older.
To help spark your thinking, we’ve put together some questions for you to ask yourself to help you decide if at-home senior living or community life is best for you. Use them as a guide to consider whether staying in your current house makes sense — or if moving to a senior living community with its built-in services and predictable costs, might be a better fit for your future.
What to Consider Before Deciding on At-Home Senior Living:
● Would you rather be alone most of the time, or do you want easily available access to companions and social activities? While aging in place can be a solitary experience, a senior living or retirement community minimizes solitude. Choose which you’ll be most comfortable with over the long term.
● If you and your family decide aging at home is the best choice, will you still have reasonable access to senior organizations, volunteerism or other social activities outside your house? Isolation is a serious health risk for seniors. In fact, the National Institute on Aging (NIA) reports that social isolation and loneliness are associated with a higher risk of heart disease, depression, cognitive decline, and even premature death. Staying connected to your community is as vital to healthy aging as regular doctor visits and good nutrition.
● Do you have family and friends who can reach your home quickly, any time of day or night, if you have an urgent need? Even if you get regular in-home care visits, the unexpected can happen — from a sudden illness to a fall, power outage or medication issue. Having a dependable, ready backup plan ensures peace of mind for you and your loved ones when life doesn’t go according to plan.
● Is your home aging-friendly? If not, can you afford to make modifications? Think about bathroom renovations, zero-step entries, improved lighting and widened doorways. Needed modifications like these can be costly. These types of modifications can add up quickly. According to the National Association of Home Builders, even a modest bathroom remodel with accessibility features can cost $10,000–$15,000, while adding a ramp or zero-step entry might run $2,000–$8,000. Larger projects, like creating a fully accessible main-floor bedroom and bath, can exceed $50,000 depending on your home’s layout. Also consider the cost of fixing any potential safety hazards that may make your house dangerous.
● When you’re no longer comfortable or confident behind the wheel, what will you do about transportation? Lack of easy access to transportation can result in escalating problems, including isolation, missed medical appointments and lagging nutrition. How will you get around after you hang up the keys?
● Will your budget support around-the-clock home care if it becomes necessary? While most older adults believe they’ll never need any type of care, the National Council on Aging (NCOA) finds that 1 in 3 adults over 65 will have trouble with at least one activity of daily living (ADL) like bathing, dressing, grooming, etc. Getting help at home can be a significant financial commitment, costing $33 to $34 per hour according to CareScout.
Questions to consider before deciding to move to a retirement community:
● Do you prefer to know help is nearby if you need it? Senior living communities offer the freedom to live independently, with the added comfort of 24/7 staff availability, emergency response systems and built-in services that can adapt as your needs change.
● Would you rather not worry about home maintenance and repairs? The prospect of a lifestyle with diminished homeownership responsibilities (and costs) motivates many to make a move to senior living because it’s all taken care of for you. IN some cases, housecleaning and laundry are, too!
● Are your adult children and other loved ones living nearby where they can and are willing to help with hiring, screening and scheduling caregivers for you in your home? A senior living community coordinates the care, support, and services you need within the community, from amenities that enhance your independent lifestyle to additional assistance if your needs change over time. And it’s all covered in a predictable monthly cost.
● Are you still evolving? A senior living community makes it easy to stretch body and mind daily, with convenient access to a full social calendar that includes a host of activities, programs and events.
● Could you see yourself leaving at least some of the cooking and cleanup to someone else? Well-balanced meals served restaurant-style in a variety of venues, from formal to casual, are a perk most communities offer.
● Do you feel safe in your neighborhood? Do family and friends worry about your safety? Senior living communities offer round-the-clock security staffed by people who’ll know you by name and watch out for you. Getting away for the holidays? They’ll watch over your residence while you’re away.
● Will you need transportation for errands or appointments? Most senior living communities offer some type of transportation service – either regularly scheduled or as needed.
● Are you concerned about managing your medications? Professional medication management is commonly offered to residents of assisted living and memory care communities.
● Have you thought about how changes in your health might affect your family, and whether you’d want them to take on caregiving responsibilities if needed? It’s natural to worry about becoming a burden to those you love, as caregiving can be physically, emotionally and financially demanding for families. The move to a senior living community takes care of that. In fact, residents often say their move is a gift to their adult children, who can thereafter be confident that Mom and Dad are safe and happy, with a plan for the what-ifs.
Where You Live Does Matter. A Lot.
Take your time. Think through the questions … because where you live really does matter. When it’s time to talk things over with your family, you’ll be ready to make a thoughtful decision – and the right choice for you.
And remember. It’s not just about floorplans and amenities — it’s about atmosphere, connection, purpose and belonging. Studies show that seniors who feel socially connected and engaged in their communities experience lower rates of depression, better cognitive health and even longer lifespans.
When visiting a senior living community, pay attention to whether residents seem happy, active, and genuinely connected — because those everyday moments of friendship and purpose matter just as much as the services offered. Find the community right for you.
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Where You Live Matters is powered by the American Seniors Housing Association (ASHA), a respected voice in the senior housing industry. ASHA primarily focuses on legislative and regulatory advocacy, research and educational opportunities and networking for senior living executives, so they can better understand the needs of older adults across the country.