As we age, our housing needs often change. The home that worked perfectly for raising a family might present challenges later in life. Stairs become harder to climb, narrow doorways block mobility aids, and maintaining a large property feels overwhelming.

Many seniors face a critical decision: should you stay in your current home and renovate, or should you move to a place better suited for aging? We’re discussing eight questions to ask yourself and your care providers regarding moving or renovating for aging in place.

Is the Current Layout Accessible for Mobility Needs?

Take a walk through your home with a critical eye. Imagine navigating the space with a walker or a wheelchair. Are the hallways wide enough? Are there thresholds that could cause tripping? Single-story living is often the gold standard for aging in place. If your home has multiple levels, consider if you can live entirely on the ground floor. This means having a bedroom, a full bathroom, the kitchen, and laundry facilities on the main level.

If your current layout requires climbing stairs for essential daily activities, you must determine if you can modify it. Installing a stairlift is one option, but sometimes the home’s structure limits feasibility.

Can the Bathroom Accommodate Safety Modifications?

Bathrooms present some of the highest risks for falls in the home. Standard bathrooms often lack the necessary space and safety features for seniors. Look at your current setup. Can you replace a bathtub with a roll-in shower? Is there enough room to install grab bars near the toilet and shower?

Sometimes, the bathroom is simply too small to modify effectively. Widening a bathroom door or rearranging fixtures requires significant plumbing and structural work. If the bathroom cannot support these changes, moving to a home with an already accessible bathroom might be the safer choice.

A close-up of a senior person grabbing the grab bars on their tub. The tub is white with two handles on the corner.

How Much Maintenance Does the Property Require?

Owning a home involves constant upkeep. Lawn care, snow removal, gutter cleaning, and general repairs demand physical effort and money. As you age, these tasks become more difficult or even dangerous. Ask yourself if you want to continue managing these responsibilities. If you stay, you might need to hire services to handle the work you previously did yourself.

Moving to a condo, an apartment, or a retirement community often eliminates exterior maintenance entirely. This shift frees up your time and removes the physical burden of property care, allowing you to focus on your health and hobbies.

What Is the Cost of Renovation vs. Moving?

Financial sustainability is crucial for your retirement years. You need to compare the costs directly. Get quotes for necessary renovations. This might include widening doorways, installing wheelchair ramps, lowering countertops, or adding smart home technology.

Sum these costs and compare them to the expenses of selling your home and buying or renting a new one. Remember to include closing costs, moving fees, and potential homeowners association fees in your calculations. Sometimes, the cost of retrofitting an older home exceeds the cost of moving to a place that already meets your needs.

Does the Home Support Social Connection?

Isolation poses a significant health risk for seniors. Your home should facilitate connection with friends, family, and the community. Do you have neighbors you know and trust? Is there a senior center or community hub nearby? If your current neighborhood has changed and you feel isolated, moving might offer a fresh start.

Senior living communities specifically design their environments to foster social interaction through organized events and shared spaces. Staying in a home where you feel lonely can negatively impact your mental and emotional well-being.

Will the Renovation Add Value or Make the Home Hard To Sell?

Some accessibility renovations improve resale value, while others might decrease it. Universal design features, such as wider doors and lever-style handles, generally appeal to all buyers. However, highly specific medical modifications might limit the pool of future buyers.

Consult with a real estate professional to understand how renovations might affect your home’s marketability. If you plan to leave the home as an inheritance, consider how easy or difficult it will be for your heirs to sell. Moving prevents the need for major structural changes that might not offer a very strong return on investment.

Is the Current Support Network Nearby?

Your support system is your safety net. How far away do your adult children, close relatives, or reliable friends live? If you need help with daily tasks or have a medical emergency, who will respond? If your support network lives hours away, staying in your current home might be risky.

As such, moving closer to family can provide peace of mind for everyone involved. It allows for easier check-ins and assistance with errands or appointments. Evaluate the geographic location of your primary support people when making your decision.

Does the Budget Allow for Unexpected Health Changes?

Your health needs can change rapidly. A sudden illness or injury can alter your mobility overnight. Does your financial plan account for potential in-home care? If you stay, you might eventually need to hire home health aides.

Moving to a continuing care retirement community (CCRC) offers a tiered approach, where you move from independent living to assisted living or nursing care as needs change, often within the same campus. This model provides financial predictability. Review your long-term care insurance and savings to see which option aligns better with potential future health scenarios.

A senior woman sits on her couch smiling at her younger daughter, who sits next to her. The senior woman holds a tablet.

Making the Right Choice for Your Future

Deciding between renovating and moving requires a balanced view of your life. It’s about your quality of life, your finances, and your safety.

Consider the following:

  • Renovating allows you to stay in a familiar environment but often comes with construction chaos and potential ongoing maintenance issues.
  • Moving offers a fresh start in a safer environment but requires the physical and emotional work of downsizing and relocating.

We recommend consulting with professionals. Occupational therapists can assess your home for safety. Real estate agents can provide market values. Financial advisors can review your retirement funds. Gather the facts, talk to your family, and trust your instincts.

Prioritizing your safety and comfort is the best gift you can give yourself and your loved ones. You deserve a home that supports you in every stage of life. Be honest with yourself when asking these questions, moving or renovating for aging in place demand diligence. Hudson Pharmacy and Surgical can provide the necessary equipment to make your home safer and easier to use as you age in place. We serve private homes and businesses and work directly with the insurance companies to ensure access. Reach out today to learn more about our offerings and services.