As people get older, there can be a lingering thought in the back of the mind: when is the best time to sell the house?
Some people may wonder if they need to sell their house at all. However, it can be difficult to get the support you or your loved one need with time, especially when older adults need more daily assistance.
When Should Seniors Sell Their Homes?
There’s no “best” time for older adults to sell their houses. Each person is different—some want to stay in the place they’ve called home for decades, while others prefer to sell earlier in life.
A real estate agent can tell you when it’s financially best to sell your home, but there are several signs it’s time to sell as a senior—from health concerns to isolation. Moving somewhere where your needs are taken care of can be a great decision.
Signs it’s Time for Assisted Living
Assisted living is a lifestyle that can help older adults live life to the fullest, balancing daily support and independence. Residents can have their daily needs taken care of, and someone is always there to help when they need it. Besides support, assisted living offers many services and experiences for seniors to enjoy, including:
- Housekeeping and laundry
- Medication management
- Outdoor spaces to spend time with family and friends
- New activities
While assisted living has many benefits, many people don’t know when it’s the right time to move into a senior living community, especially if they still own and care for their home.
There are several signs it’s time for assisted living, such as:
Feeling Isolated
If you or a loved one feel alone, it can significantly impact your mental and physical health. Most people are social creatures, but life can make it difficult to meet new people, especially as you get older.
Loneliness and isolation can affect your health in many ways. According to the CDC, isolation can lead to:
- Increased risk of premature death
- Increased risk of heart disease and stroke
- Increased risk of hospitalization or death from heart failure
- Higher rate of depression, anxiety, and suicide
- Increased risk of dementia
Research has shown that over 30% of adults 45 and older feel lonely. Additionally, 25% of seniors are socially isolated due to living alone, losing family and friends, illness, or other health conditions.
Assisted living communities bring older adults together, offering chances to meet new people, make new friendships, and try new things.
Difficulty Caring for Your Home
You or your loved one has likely handled everything life has thrown at you for years, especially around the house. Owning a home requires cleaning, yard maintenance, laundry, repairs, and other household tasks. While some can keep this up for decades, it becomes harder with age.
Doing the laundry or carrying something upstairs can be more difficult. With time, some chores can get ignored, leading to a messy, potentially unsafe home.
Senior living helps handle daily chores and maintenance so older adults can focus on hobbies and other interests. There’s more time in the day when you don’t need to worry about lawn care, laundry, housekeeping, and cooking dinner.
Selling your home may be ideal if it’s hard to keep it clean and tidy for you or your loved one.
Difficulty Caring for Yourself
As people get older, they can struggle with the activities of daily living (ADLs), which are everyday tasks people do without any trouble. Whether due to illness, injury, or time, struggling with your personal care can make it difficult to live independently.
ADLs include:
- Ambulating: Moving from one position to another independently.
- Personal hygiene: Bathing, grooming, and caring for your teeth, nails, and hair.
- Dressing: Selecting and putting on weather-appropriate clothing.
- Feeding: Feeding yourself.
- Continence: Controlling your bowel and bladder function without difficulty.
- Toileting: Getting to and from the toilet and using it properly.
Assisted living may be ideal if you struggle with the activities of daily living. Staff in an assisted living community can help residents with daily tasks.
Discover Your New Home
Senior living helps provide the care you or your loved one needs, from help with daily activities to housekeeping and meals. The services and experiences offered in these communities help residents thrive.
You may have questions when it’s time to sell your house, and we’re here to help. Contact Serenity South Senior Living if you’re interested in assisted living for yourself or a loved one.
