Move or Age In Place?

Move or Age In Place?

As people get older and the “nest” becomes empty, many homeowners face the decision to move or to “Age in Place.”  Aging in place is the decision to hold on to one home as long as possible and avoid any moves.  However, many people WANT to move, some staying close to home and others moving far away, and the reasons are many:

Geographic (move to another area):

Þ Warmer climates (i.e. Florida, the Carolinas, Arizona)

Þ Closer to grandchildren

Þ Urban areas with lifestyle activities within walking distance

Þ Peaceful rural areas with a low cost of living

Þ 2nd home becomes the primary residence (i.e. seaside, mountains)

Physical and/or financial:

Þ A single level home to avoid needing to use steps

Þ Something smaller and easier to maintain (downsizing)

Þ More affordable housing

Þ Ease of access to doctors and medical care

Þ Maintenance-free active adult community (lifestyle)

Þ Transition to a continuing care facility for health reasons

The average homeowner will move three times between the ages of 50 and 80.  For some, the moves are welcome exciting steps towards new chapters, and for others, the moves are necessary for a number of reasons.  However, there are some seniors who simply choose to age in place; they love their home and have no intention of leaving it.

There are things you can do now as a homeowner to prepare your home to accommodate your changing needs.  A few of these are:

Þ Expand or add a first floor bedroom and bathroom with walk-in shower and grip bars.

Þ Relocate laundry to the main level.

Þ Add ramps and/or redesign the entrances/doorways for easier access and eliminate trip hazards.

Þ When remodeling the kitchen, situated appliances and cabinets to minimize bending and reaching. 

Þ Create more storage space on the main level.

Þ Add security systems which include medical and fire monitoring.

Þ Add or improve high speed internet service.