Navigating the transition when living completely independently becomes difficult is a major life decision. At 87, wanting to maintain your independence, dignity, and autonomy is entirely natural—and a care home is certainly not your only option.
Before making that leap, here are several viable, supportive alternatives that allow many older adults to stay comfortable, safe, and connected to their communities:
1. In-Home Caregivers (Hourly or Live-In)
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How it works: Professional caregivers come directly to your home to help with daily activities. This can range from a few hours a day (for help with cooking, medication reminders, bathing, and light housekeeping) to full-time live-in care.
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Why it’s worth considering: You stay in your own familiar home surrounded by your memories and belongings while getting tailored, one-on-one support.
2. Home Modification and Smart Technology
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How it works: Adapting your current living space to prevent accidents. This includes installing walk-in showers with grab bars, ramping entranceways, replacing slippery flooring, putting stairlifts in, and setting up emergency medical alert pendants or voice-activated smart home assistants.
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Why it’s worth considering: Often, people feel they have to leave their homes simply because of a physical barrier. Removing those barriers can buy you years of safe, independent living.
3. Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) or “Granny Flats”
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How it works: Moving into a small, self-contained living space built on the property of a family member (such as a backyard cottage, converted garage, or attached mother-in-law suite). Alternatively, moving in with family while retaining your own private quarters.
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Why it’s worth considering: You get the privacy and dignity of your own space while having loved ones steps away if you ever need sudden assistance.
4. Senior Co-Housing or Home-Sharing
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How it works: Sharing a home with another older adult, a younger companion, or a student. Organizations and agencies help match compatible housemates who can split household expenses, share chores, or provide a sense of security and companionship.
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Why it’s worth considering: It drastically cuts down on living expenses, combats loneliness and isolation, and ensures someone is in the house overnight.
5. Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs) or Independent Living Villages
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How it works: Moving into a retirement community that starts with independent apartments or cottages, but has assisted living, memory care, and nursing care on the same campus if your needs change down the road.
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Why it’s worth considering: You live completely independently now without worrying about home maintenance, yard work, or cooking, but you have the ultimate peace of mind knowing future care is already in place without having to move again.
