My Current Home Isn’t Working—Now What?

Realizing that your current home no longer meets your needs can be a powerful turning point. Whether it’s due to physical barriers, difficulty accessing care, or a growing sense of isolation, these challenges often prompt a critical question: What are my options?

Recognizing that a change is needed opens the door to exploring a range of housing possibilities. In this post, we’ll focus on private living options—choices that offer flexibility and independence while still requiring thoughtful planning. In the next post, we’ll explore community-based living options, which may offer more built-in support and social engagement.

Private Living Options for Seniors

Choosing a private living arrangement in retirement can offer comfort, autonomy, and familiarity—but it also comes with responsibilities. Here’s an overview of three common options:

🏡 House

Staying in your current home—or downsizing to a smaller one—can be a great way to maintain independence. However, homeowners are responsible for:

• Ownership: Paying property taxes and homeowners insurance
• Maintenance: Managing lawn care, snow removal, and repairs
• Improvements: Budgeting for major updates like a new roof or windows
• Accessibility: Making modifications such as grab bars, ramps, or stair lifts

🏢 Condominium

Condos offer a lower-maintenance lifestyle while still allowing for ownership:

• Ownership: You still pay property taxes and insurance
• HOA Services: Exterior maintenance, landscaping, and snow removal are typically covered by a monthly fee
• HOA Rules: Restrictions may apply to pets, rentals, or renovations
• Shared Improvements: The HOA manages major projects, but you may be charged special assessments
• Accessibility: You’re responsible for any interior upgrades to improve safety and mobility

🏘️ Multigenerational Living

This setup involves multiple generations—such as grandparents, parents, and children—living together under one roof or on the same property:

• Living Setup: May include a private suite or an accessory dwelling unit (ADU)
• Benefits: Eases caregiving, reduces living costs, and strengthens family bonds
• Challenges: Can raise privacy concerns or financial inequities, especially if one child provides or receives more support than others

While private living offers independence, familiarity, and flexibility, it’s not the right fit for everyone—especially as care needs increase or social connection becomes more important. In addition to the options we’ve highlighted here, there are many other private housing arrangements worth considering. These include apartments, age-restricted 55+ communities, affordable senior housing, and shared living situations—such as the increasingly popular “Golden Girls” model, where unrelated older adults share a home for companionship and cost-sharing.

Each of these options comes with its own set of benefits and trade-offs, depending on your lifestyle, health, and financial goals. If you’re exploring alternatives, community living options may provide the added support, safety, and social engagement you’re looking for.

In Post 9, we’ll take a closer look at what community living entails and the different types available—from independent living to assisted living and continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs). Understanding both private and community options will help you make a confident, informed decision about your next chapter.

Want the Full Guide Now?

If you’re ready to dive deeper into all your housing options without waiting for the full blog series, you can download the complete workbook today. Navigating the Next Chapter: Housing Options for Seniors in Transition is packed with expert insights, practical worksheets, and step-by-step guidance to help you or a loved one make confident, informed decisions.

Click here to get your complimentary copy now.

About Forevermore Homes

We’re the Forevermore Homes Team of Coldwell Banker, and we’re passionate about helping seniors and their families make confident, informed decisions about housing and care. Whether you’re modifying your home, downsizing, or exploring senior living options, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.