Should You Age at Home or Move to a Senior Living Community?

As we age, one of the biggest questions we face is where we’ll live. Will we stay in our current home, or transition to a senior living community? While many older adults express a strong desire to “age in place,” doing so doesn’t always mean staying in the same house. Aging in place can also mean staying in a setting that supports your independence and evolving needs—like a senior living community designed to grow with you.

According to a 2023 U.S. News & World Report survey, 93% of adults over 55 said they want to age in place. Yet nearly half of those same respondents admitted their homes weren’t set up for long-term aging. Without thoughtful modifications, and without access to consistent care and support, aging at home can become isolating or even unsafe over time.

So how do you know what option is right for you or your loved one? Let’s break it down.

Remaining In Your Current Home

There’s comfort in familiarity, which is why many seniors are drawn to the idea of staying in the home they’ve lived in for decades. But as mobility, health, and social needs shift with age, living at home often requires significant upgrades and services to remain a safe option.

Common home modifications may include:

• Bathroom: Grab bars, walk-in tubs, anti-slip flooring
  
• Kitchen: Lowered counters, enhanced lighting
  
• Entryways: No-step entries, widened doorways
  
• General: Emergency response systems, non-slip rugs, home security
  

Beyond physical updates, services like meal delivery, transportation, housekeeping, and in-home care often become essential. The National Institute on Aging recommends evaluating home safety annually and updating care plans accordingly.

But even with support, living alone can lead to loneliness and a lack of engagement—two factors closely tied to cognitive decline and depression, according to a 2020 report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.

Aging in Place at a Senior Living Community

At The Gallery senior living communities, we redefine what it means to age in place. Here, you don’t need to choose between independence and support—you can have both.

Whether you begin your journey in Independent Living, Assisted Living, or Memory Care, each level of care is built to evolve with your needs. You remain in the same community, surrounded by familiar faces and staff, with personalized care and amenities that scale to meet you where you are.

Our communities are thoughtfully designed to support aging in place, offering:

• Chef-prepared meals, snacks, and dietary accommodations
• On-site salons, fitness centers, and therapy rooms
• Housekeeping and laundry services
• Enriching activities, clubs, and local outings
• Concierge services and transportation services
• 24/7 clinical staff and nurse call systems
• Beautiful outdoor courtyards, game rooms, libraries, and more
  

Each Gallery senior living community offers an engaging environment where residents can maintain autonomy while benefiting from the safety, socialization, and convenience that a modern community provides.

The Power of Connection

One of the most impactful differences between living at home and living in a senior community is the opportunity for daily social interaction.

A 2024 Pew Research Center study found that seniors who socialize at least three times a week report 33% higher emotional well-being compared to those who socialize once a week or less. That’s why at The Gallery senior living communities, we place a strong emphasis on creating community through activities, shared meals, and group events.

Whether it’s a morning yoga class, a movie night in the theater, or an afternoon card game with friends, every day at The Gallery offers connection. And for those living with memory loss, we provide specialized programming that supports cognitive engagement and emotional wellness in a structured, nurturing environment.

Gallery Senior Living Communities

From Florida to the Rocky Mountains and beyond, each Gallery senior living community is shaped by its surroundings and infused with local charm. But no matter the location, the mission is the same: to help every resident live with purpose, dignity, and joy.

Explore our FAQs section and see how we support true aging in place. Whether you’re planning for yourself or a loved one, we’re here to help you navigate the journey. Aging in place doesn’t have to mean aging alone or without support. At The Gallery senior living communities, it means staying in a beautiful, engaging community that empowers you to live your best—today and tomorrow. Reach out to our team by calling us at 855-222-4470 or contact us today to schedule a tour or learn more about our award-winning approach to senior living.