Downsize Without Compromise: 13 Housing Options for Seniors

You enjoy living independently and would like to continue to come and go as you wish, eat what you like, and do the things that make you happy. 

And why wouldn’t you? From the time we are young, we are working towards independence, and no milestone birthday will change our minds about the thrill of making our own choices. Here’s the thing: aging is real, and we’re all doing it.

We love our homes, and we love our things. The trouble is, if your current home requires you to be in the physical condition you are in now to maintain and live in it, that home may not always be a viable option for you. In fact, according to the 2020 U.S. Census Bureau, only 10% of homes are “aging ready.” 

As we age, living somewhere safe, comfortable, and easy to maintain is necessary. At Silver Pathways, we help seniors transition from their homes to smaller spaces, and I promise you: there is a life worth living on the other side of this! (Don’t be surprised if you find it even more fulfilling…)

If you’re already shaking your head and saying, “I am not ready to live in some facility,” take heart! That’s not what this blog is about. Today’s seniors have so many choices when they are ready to downsize! In this post, I offer thirteen options for you to consider.

Even if you don’t feel ready to downsize, I encourage you to read this post anyway.

Oftentimes, when I meet with a client, their needs are urgent, and it is necessary to downsize quickly. When this happens, accommodating preferences is difficult because time is of the essence. When clients come to me when they are just beginning to think about a new season of life, I’m thrilled! They have so much more authority over their outcome. If this is where you are, I’d like to encourage you to take some time to think this through with me. Many communities have waiting lists, so making decisions as early as possible is important.

Let’s begin with your options.

 

13 Senior Housing Options

If you are an active senior deciding where to live, you’ll want to consider a move that will serve you well for the next phase of life. Ask yourself:

  • Why do you want to move?
  • How do you envision your life after the move?
  • How much living space do you need? Would a different floor plan help you utilize space more efficiently?
  • Would a smaller space work if you had public spaces, like coffee shops, restaurants, a library, or a gym within walking distance?
  • Do you need one-level living, or would stairs be okay for now? 
  • What are your assets and income?
  • How much can you afford?

Based on your answers, you have various housing options available, each catering to different needs, preferences, and levels of care. Consider these choices for example:

 

1. A Smaller Single-Family Home

Description: A smaller, single-family home, often with fewer bedrooms and a smaller yard.

Benefits: Homeowners maintain the independence and privacy of a standalone home but with less maintenance. This option is ideal for those who still want space and the familiarity of a house but without the upkeep of a larger property.

 

2. A Condo or Townhouse

Description: Townhouses and condos may look similar, but the main difference lies in ownership. With a townhouse, you own both the interior and exterior of the unit, as well as the land it sits on. In contrast, condo ownership includes only the interior, with the exterior and land managed by the homeowners’ association (HOA).

Benefits: Both condos and townhouses provide the benefit of shared ownership of common areas like parking, green spaces, and amenities such as pools or walkways. These options offer a lower-maintenance lifestyle, as HOAs typically cover tasks like landscaping and upkeep of communal spaces, reducing some of the homeowner’s maintenance responsibilities.

 

3. An Age-Restricted Community (55+ Communities)

Description: These communities are residential neighborhoods where at least one resident must be 55 or older. These communities usually consist of smaller homes, condos,  townhouses, or manufactured housing.

Benefits: Age-restricted communities are designed to provide seniors with an option for a quieter environment. Some offer amenities like clubhouses, walking trails, and fitness centers, fostering an active and social lifestyle among peers.

 

4. Independent Living Communities

Description: These communities offer housing specifically designed for seniors who are independent but prefer a community environment. They can range from studio apartments to stand-alone homes, and unlike condos or townhouses, they often have office and support staff on-site to assist residents.

Benefits: Community members enjoy a social atmosphere with access to activities, dining options, and on-site services like housekeeping, maintenance, and sometimes even transportation. This option is ideal for those seeking a low-maintenance lifestyle with the added peace of mind that help is always nearby.

 

5. An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) or In-Law Suite

Description: ADUs are  smaller, self-contained living spaces, like a cottage, and are located on the same property as a single-family home or duplex. An in-law suite is a self-contained living area attached to or inside another residential unit.

Benefits: These suites allow seniors to live close to family members while maintaining independence. This option also benefits families wanting to keep loved ones nearby to provide support when needed.

 

6. A Rental Apartment

Description: These could be standard rental apartments or those specifically designed for seniors, which may offer some supportive services.

Benefits: Rental apartments offer flexibility and a low-maintenance lifestyle without the commitment of home ownership. Senior-specific apartments may provide amenities like emergency call systems, social activities, and transportation services.

 

7. Co-Housing

Description: Co-housing offers a community-oriented housing model where residents live in private homes but share common spaces like kitchens, dining rooms, and gardens.

Benefits: This way of life encourages social interaction and mutual support, which can reduce feelings of isolation. It’s a good option for those who value community but still want some privacy.

 

8. A Senior Co-Op

Description: Cooperative housing, where residents collectively own the property and make decisions about its management and maintenance, is another option for seniors.

Benefits: This lifestyle offers a sense of ownership and control without the responsibilities of a single-family home. It is often more affordable than traditional ownership, due to shared costs.

 

9. Home Sharing

Description: Some seniors choose to share a home with another senior or a younger person in exchange for rent or services.

Benefits: This option provides companionship and reduces living costs. It can also offer informal caregiving support in a familiar environment.

If the above options sound too difficult due to your physical condition or other considerations (such as a partner who requires medical care), you’ll want to ask yourself the next set of questions:

  • Do you have physical limitations or need medical assistance?
  • How much help do you need with day-to-day tasks, the laundry, meals, bedding, etc.?
  • What kind of services are offered at the communities available to you? If your needs change, will you have to find new housing?
  • What kind of access to health care will you need? 
  • Will you need parking for a car or to make other arrangements for transportation? 
  • Will you want access to shopping and entertainment?
  • What sort of hobbies, interests, and social activities do you prefer?
  • Do you have pets? 
  • Do you need space for overnight guests?

Even if you require some level of care, there are still housing options that allow you to live semi-independently. Those include:

 

10. A Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC)

Description: These communities offer a range of housing options, from independent living to assisted living and nursing care, all within the same campus.

Benefits: Seniors can have peace of mind with their ability to age in place. As needs change, residents can move from one level of care to another without leaving the community. It’s a long-term option that ensures continuity of care.

 

11. An Assisted Living Community

Description: These centers offer private or semi-private apartments with assistance for daily activities, such as bathing, dressing, and medication management.

Benefits: This option is ideal for seniors who need some help with daily activities but still want a degree of independence. It offers a balance between care and autonomy, often with social activities and meals provided.

And finally, if you would ever need advanced medical care, a skilled care nursing center can provide high-level, around-the-clock medical support services. 

 

12. A Skilled Care Nursing Center

Description: These centers provide 24-hour medical care for seniors with significant health needs.

Benefits: They are best suited for those requiring constant care and supervision. Skilled care nursing centers offer comprehensive medical care and support for chronic conditions or recovery from serious illness.

 

13. Memory Care Center

Description: These centers provide a specialized housing option for seniors with Alzheimer’s, dementia, or other memory-related conditions. It provides 24/7 care, structured activities, and a secure environment designed to prevent wandering.

Benefits: Many Skilled Nursing Centers cannot provide the specialized care needed for seniors who require memory care. Memory Care Centers include personalized care, safety, and support from trained staff, along with programs that promote cognitive function and improve quality of life.

As you can see, when plans are made while you are still enjoying good health and mobility, you have several options to downsize to a smaller space with less maintenance (and less stuff!). 

If you are working through this process now and need help deciding on or preparing for your next steps, I hope you’ll reach out. Simply click here to schedule a discovery call with me and explore my services.

I’ve helped hundreds of clients downsize and transition to new living spaces, and every situation is unique. I’ve seen so many clients who worry about managing everything themselves, and many do their best to try. However, when they finally “let go” and accept help, they’re often amazed at how much easier life becomes and regret not asking sooner. 


I’m Jill Hart, and I am an organizing & real estate professional who specializes in downsizing. If this post stirred up any curiosity for you, I’d love to talk with you about your options. Our first conversation is free, and I’ll never pressure you to work with me beyond it. If you choose to, here’s what you can expect:

  1. Get a plan.  I can help you decide on a workable housing option and your next steps to make it happen (even if your move is years down the road).
  2. Get a team. We have professionals for just about anything you need! Our team of specialists can help you with all of your downsizing and moving goals.
  3. Get on with your life! There’s a good life on the other side of this process! We don’t quit until you’re settled into your fresh, streamlined space.

Simply click here to schedule a discovery call with me to explore my services. 

 

Is it time to downsize? This 3-minute downsizing quiz will help you uncover insights into your emotional attachment, organizational skills, and future planning. Don’t leave your next chapter to chance—let’s get started together by gaining clarity on your downsizing journey! Click here to take the quiz.

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Hi, I’m Jill Hart.

Back to my earliest memories with my grandmother, I’ve always had a desire to be around those living out the later chapters of their lives. That said, it made sense that my love for real estate didn’t really grab hold until I figured out I could use my skills to help this familiar population. Especially since, during a season of downsizing, support is a must!

I quickly realized that my clients didn’t just need to find different places to live or to sell their homes; they needed to make tough decisions about what to keep and what to share. They needed to organize, pack, and deliver donations. They needed to clean, make updates, and get ready to sell. Plus, they needed to do all this while managing their family’s feelings and opinions (and their own). 

That’s why I built this business. We take care of planning, organizing, hauling, and cleaning, and we mix in more traditional real estate services when our clients need them. No matter your circumstances (or fears!), we make downsizing a whole lot easier.

Click Here to Schedule a Discovery Call

Learn more at silverpathwayshome.com.