Aging in Place in Massachusetts: When to Stay—and When to Move

For many senior homeowners in Massachusetts, the idea of “aging in place” carries deep emotional weight. The home you live in isn’t just a building—it’s filled with memories, comfort, and identity. So it’s no surprise that many people say, “I’ll leave feet first.”

But here’s the truth: aging in place is not a forever strategy. It’s a stage—a chapter—in your life’s journey. And staying too long in a home that no longer fits your needs can quietly rob you of the very independence you’re trying to preserve.

If you’re a senior in Franklin, MA—or the adult child of someone approaching a crossroads—you need to know how to plan for aging in place the right way, and when it’s time to consider making a move.

As a real estate broker and attorney with over 25 years of experience—and as someone with the Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES) designation—I’ve helped many seniors in Massachusetts safely transition into better living arrangements. This article is written with one goal in mind: to help you age with dignity, avoid crisis-driven decisions, and understand your real options.

Aging in Place: A Reality Check

The idea of staying in your home as you grow older may sound ideal. But the reality can be far more complicated—especially when your home no longer supports your changing physical, medical, or social needs.

There Are Two Dangerous Extremes to Avoid:

1. Shrinking Your World to a Few Rooms

This is far more common than people think. Over time, seniors lose access to stairs, bathrooms, or parts of their home that become too difficult to navigate. Beds end up in the living room. Sponge baths replace full showers. The home becomes both smaller and more dangerous.

A fall—especially in an outdated or cluttered space—is the number one reason seniors lose independence. One accident can instantly change your life.

2. Over-Remodeling the Home

Others spend thousands on accessibility modifications: ramps, wider doorways, grab bars, stair lifts, even hospital-style bathrooms. These changes might help in the short term—but in the long run, they can severely reduce your home’s value.

Younger buyers aren’t looking for roll-in showers or lowered kitchen counters. In many cases, sellers in Massachusetts find that these features actually make their homes harder to sell.

Best Practices for Aging in Place in Massachusetts

If you’re going to age in place, do it with foresight and a plan:

1. Start in—or move to—a home that’s designed for your future

You’ll want:

• One-level living
• A first-floor full bath
• Flat or gently sloped driveways (especially important in snowy Franklin winters)
• Minimal landscaping and exterior maintenance
• Proximity to family, friends, and doctors

Speaking personally, my own home in Franklin, MA has a steep driveway and no first-floor full bath. We know it won’t work for us forever, and we’re already making plans for what’s next. You should too.

2. Explore Your Options Before You Have To

The worst time to move is during a health crisis. The best time is while you’re still healthy enough to weigh your choices and make confident decisions.

Ask yourself:

• Should I live closer to my children or grandchildren?
• Would a 55+ community or assisted living facility give me more connection and safety?
• Could I add an accessory dwelling unit on my adult child’s property?
• Is renting a better option to reduce the burden of ownership?

Renting isn’t for everyone, but it eliminates property taxes, maintenance, and unpredictable repair costs. And while the rental market in Massachusetts is tough right now, it will improve. When it does, flexibility will be your friend.

The Risks of Waiting Too Long

Delaying a move until the last possible moment may feel like avoiding pain—but it often results in more suffering.

Here’s what I’ve seen happen to seniors who try to age in place for too long:

1. Sudden Medical Crises Force Quick, Costly Moves

A fall, stroke, or diagnosis forces an emergency relocation. There’s no time to research, prepare, or even pack—let alone get top dollar for your home.

2. Your Family Is Left to Make Decisions for You

When you don’t make a plan, someone else will. And often, it’s under stress, time pressure, and with conflicting opinions among siblings or caregivers.

3. High Maintenance and Operating Costs Eat Up Retirement Funds

Larger homes come with larger bills—especially in New England. Heating, taxes, landscaping, and deferred maintenance can quietly erode your financial cushion.

4. Hidden Costs of In-Home Care

Many assume that staying in your home with private care is affordable. But in-home health aides can cost $20/hour or more in Massachusetts. 24/7 care can total $15,000–$20,000 a month—more than some high-end assisted living communities.

5. Isolation and Decline

When seniors live alone in homes that no longer suit them, isolation often sets in. Loneliness contributes to depression, anxiety, and even cognitive decline. Human connection matters as much as physical health.

Where Do You Want to Live?

This isn’t just a real estate decision—it’s a life decision. It depends on:

• Your family and friendships
• Your health and proximity to doctors
• Your finances
• Your lifestyle, hobbies, and what brings you joy

Do you want to stay in Franklin, MA? Move closer to family? Try a condo, apartment, or senior living community?

Do you want to rent or own?

There are no wrong answers—only the wrong time to start asking the questions. And that time is later. The right time is now.

Let’s Build a Plan—Together

If you’re a senior homeowner—or helping one—you need to plan ahead. That doesn’t mean you have to move tomorrow. It means you explore your options today, before your hand is forced.

We’re here to help! We specialize in helping seniors in Massachusetts figure out where they should live next, how to sell their current home for maximum value, and how to transition with dignity and confidence.

📞 Call or text us at (508) 561-6259 to schedule your free consultation. There’s no pressure—just honest, practical advice from someone who understands both the emotional and logistical challenges seniors face.

And don’t forget to ask for our free Rightsizing Strategy Guide—it’s a helpful, step-by-step guide to figuring out what comes next, how to get ready, and how to do it all at your own pace.

You don’t have to figure this out alone. I’m Warren Reynolds, Esq. and we’re here to help you move forward—safely, smartly, and on your terms.

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