Should You Stay Home or Move to a Senior Living Community?
A Guide for Families
Home is where you make it.
We all have choices in life. Right now, our 26-year-old son is facing one of his own — deciding whether to leave Texas and move to San Francisco to grow his career. He’s a tiny bit overwhelmed, but each day as he learns more about the opportunities waiting there, his excitement grows.
I often discuss similar transition choices with my older adult clients. We talk about impending changes, and I like to joke that “the only people who truly love change are babies with dirty diapers.” Change is constant, but it’s not always welcome — especially as we get older. Moving is one of life’s most stressful experiences, right up there with losing a spouse or a child.
So, when we reach that stage of life where we start slowing down and need a little help with daily activities, the idea of a big move can feel scarier than that old Halloween movie with Michael Myers! 🎃
As we age, our rebound time gets longer. I often remind my clients: be gentle with yourself. The big transitions later in life don’t bring the same excitement a 26-year-old feels when embarking on a new adventure. Whether you’re considering moving to a senior living community or staying at home with caregivers, this is one of life’s most emotional and challenging transitions.
Staying at Home: Pros, Cons, and Costs
There’s no place like home — as Dorothy said while clicking her iconic red shoes. For many older adults, staying home provides a sense of comfort, familiarity, and independence. Family photos line the hallway, the kitchen smells like years of Sunday dinners, and the memories are woven into every room.
However, staying at home safely often requires significant planning and expense. Private-duty caregivers, home modifications, and ongoing maintenance can add up quickly. According to the 2024 Genworth Cost of Care Survey, the national median monthly cost for in-home care is approximately $5,625. And while home care offers one-on-one attention, it can also bring feelings of isolation — especially if friends or family live far away. Socialization is one of the key components to continued healthy aging.
Moving to a Senior Living Community
A well-chosen senior living community can open a new chapter — one filled with the needed social connection, activities, and peace of mind. Daily meals, housekeeping, transportation, and 24-hour staff make life simpler and safer.
Many residents find that after the initial adjustment period, they wish they’d made the move sooner. The stress of home upkeep fades, and they gain renewed energy from being surrounded by peers and purpose.
According to the National Center for Assisted Living, assisted living communities provide an average of three meals a day, help with daily living activities, and a strong sense of social belonging.
Hidden Costs and Emotional Factors
Emotions often drive this decision as much as finances do. Guilt, grief, and fear of losing independence can weigh heavily. On the flip side, families sometimes underestimate the hidden costs of staying home — caregiver burnout, safety hazards, or rising in-home care fees.
This is where thoughtful planning and honest conversations make all the difference. According to AARP, the cost of caregiving often extends beyond money — impacting family caregivers' emotional and physical health as well.
How to Decide
Every family’s situation is unique. The best first step is to make a simple comparison list — the pros and cons of each option — and consider both practical and emotional factors. Then, talk with a trusted advisor who understands both sides of the equation.
At Senior Living Kit, I help families explore their options with compassion, honesty, and experience. Whether staying home or making a move, my goal is to help each person find the right fit for their stage of life — because no one should have to make these decisions alone.
Change can be daunting, but it can also lead to something wonderful. If you or someone you love is starting to think about senior living or home care, reach out today. Let’s start the conversation together — gently, thoughtfully, and with heart.
🌿 Senior Living Kit — Your trusted guide to senior living solutions… because you don’t have to do it alone.
