Holding On, Moving Forward

For many people, home is more than a place. 

It's where children were raised, holidays were celebrated, and life's milestones unfolded. It's familiar. It's comfortable. It's filled with memories. 

Perhaps that's why so many older adults hope to remain in their homes as they age. According to AARP's 2024 Home and Community Preferences Survey, 75% of adults age 50 and older want to stay in their current homes for as long as possible. 

We understand why. 

For many families, aging in place can be a wonderful option. 

But as with many aspects of financial planning, the goal isn't simply to ask what you want today. It's to ask whether today's plan will continue to support you tomorrow. 

The Conversation Most Families Avoid 

One of the most challenging realities of aging is that our needs don't always change gradually. 

A health event, a fall, the loss of a spouse, a hospitalization, or the onset of memory concerns can quickly turn a conversation that has been postponed for years into an urgent decision. 

Unfortunately, major life decisions tend to become much harder when physical or cognitive health begins to decline. 

Evaluating options, touring communities, coordinating a move, managing a home, sorting through decades of belongings, or adapting to a new environment all require energy, focus, and decision-making capacity. 

The irony is that the people who would benefit most from having options often have the fewest options available when a crisis arrives. 

That's why we encourage families to begin these conversations before they become necessary. 

Not because everyone should move, but because it should be an intentional decision, not one made by inertia. 

Aging in Place Is a Plan—But It Should Be a Real Plan 

Many people assume that staying in their home means there is nothing to be done, “the plan is in place.” 

In reality, aging in place is a decision that deserves just as much planning as any other option. 

The University of Michigan National Poll on Healthy Aging found that while 88% of adults between ages 50 and 80 say it is important to remain in their homes as long as possible, but only 15% have seriously considered modifications that may be needed to help them do so safely.

Wanting to stay home and preparing to stay home are not necessarily the same thing.  

If remaining in your current home is the goal, it may be worth asking:  

• Can I comfortably access every area of the home?
• Would stairs become difficult if my mobility changed?
• Is there a bedroom and full bathroom on the main floor?
• How close am I to medical care?
• Could family members or caregivers easily stay with me if needed?
• Do I have a reliable support system nearby?  

But perhaps the most important question is this:

Who will help when help is eventually needed?

Many people assume a spouse, adult child, family member, or close friend will step in when the time comes. Sometimes that happens. Sometimes it doesn't. More often, family members are willing to help but have very different expectations about what that help will look like.

• Will someone be available to drive to appointments?
• Help manage medications?
• Assist with meals, household tasks, or personal care?
• Coordinate medical needs?
• Advocate during a health event? 

If the plan is to rely on family support, have those conversations happened? Does everyone understand the potential responsibilities? Are expectations aligned? 

If family support won't be available—or if the goal is to minimize the burden on loved ones—have you explored what professional caregiving services might cost and whether those expenses fit within your financial plan? 

These conversations can feel uncomfortable. 

But unclear expectations often create stress and tension at exactly the time families are already navigating difficult circumstances. 

The goal isn't to predict every future need. The goal is to make sure the people you care about aren't left guessing what the plan was supposed to be.

Looking Ahead 

Whether you ultimately remain in your current home, downsize to something more manageable, move closer to family, or explore a community that offers additional levels of care, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. The right decision depends on your unique circumstances, priorities, and goals. 

What we have seen over the years is that the families who navigate these transitions most successfully are often the ones who started the conversation before they needed to make a decision. They gave themselves time to think through their options, involve the people who may one day play a role in their care, and make choices from a position of strength rather than urgency. 

In our next article, we'll take a closer look at some of the most common housing options available as we age and explore the advantages and tradeoffs of each. 

Final Thoughts 

When people think about retirement planning, they often think about investment accounts, income strategies, taxes, and estate plans. Those are all important pieces of the puzzle, but some of the most impactful decisions you'll make have very little to do with your portfolio. 

Where you live, who will support you, how you access care, and whether your home continues to meet your needs can have a tremendous impact on your quality of life as the years go on. 

You may decide that staying right where you are is the best choice. You may discover that a different living situation would provide more freedom, more support, or greater peace of mind. Either way, having the conversation early gives you the opportunity to evaluate your options thoughtfully and make decisions on your own terms. 

Because the goal isn't simply to have a plan for your money. It's to have a plan for the life you want to live. 

 Van Hulzen Financial Advisors is an investment advisory firm registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). SEC registration does not imply a certain level of skill and or expertise. The material presented is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not meant to be considered investment advice or a solicitation to purchase or sell any securities. Van Hulzen is not a tax advisor. Any professionals highlighted in the material presented are not affiliates of Van Hulzen. The opinions, thoughts, views, or commentary expressed do not represent the official views of Van Hulzen or its employees. The information provided by any of the outside professionals highlighted has not been verified for accuracy.