Aging in Place in Plymouth County & South Shore

7 Key Things to Consider Before You Renovate or Decide to Move

For many homeowners in Plymouth County and across the South Shore, aging in place feels like the natural goal. Your home is familiar, full of memories, and represents independence.

And in many cases, aging in place can work well—with the right updates and planning.

But before taking on major renovations, it’s important to step back and look at the full picture. Sometimes the cost, disruption, and long-term practicality of renovations make exploring a different home the better option.

Here are 7 key things to consider before deciding whether to renovate, stay, or explore a move.

1. How Will Your Home Work for You in the Next 5–10 Years?

A home that works today may not work as well tomorrow.

Take a fresh look at your current layout and ask:

• Are bedrooms and bathrooms upstairs?

• Is laundry in the basement?

• Are hallways or doorways narrow?

• Is lighting adequate throughout the home?

Many homes in Plymouth County and the South Shore were never designed with accessibility in mind. That’s not a failure—it’s simply the reality of older New England homes.

2. What Changes Are Truly “Must-Haves” vs. “Nice-to-Haves”?

Some updates are essential for safety and daily comfort, such as:

• Grab bars in bathrooms

• Non-slip flooring

• Lever-style door handles

• Improved lighting

Other changes—like reworking floor plans or installing stair lifts—can become costly quickly. Knowing which updates are necessary versus optional helps you prioritize wisely.

3. What Will Those Renovations Actually Cost?

This is where many homeowners get surprised.

Bathroom remodels, stair lifts, laundry relocation, and structural changes add up fast—especially in older or historic homes. Renovation costs also tend to exceed initial estimates.

Before investing significant money, it’s worth asking:
Is this the best use of my equity?

4. Would a Home That’s Already Set Up Be Easier?

Many single-level homes, condos, and 55+ communities already offer:

• No stairs

• Walk-in showers

• First-floor laundry

• Low or no exterior maintenance

Instead of adapting a home that requires ongoing changes, some homeowners choose a space that supports them from day one.

5. How Much Disruption Are You Willing to Live Through?

Renovations aren’t just a financial decision—they’re a lifestyle one.

Living through construction often involves:

• Noise, dust, and limited access to parts of your home

• Delays and unexpected surprises

• Coordinating contractors

• Stress that doesn’t show up on invoices

For some homeowners, renovating feels manageable. For others, making one move to a home that already meets their needs is less disruptive than months—or even years—of ongoing projects.

6. Know Who to Call for Aging-in-Place Support

If you’re leaning toward aging in place, having the right professionals can make a big difference. The following Massachusetts-based organizations may be helpful starting points if you’re exploring accessibility updates or planning ahead:

• Stannah Stairlifts USA – New England Office
  Known for high-quality stairlift installations and strong customer support.

• Lifeway Mobility (Serving MA, RI & NH)
  Offers stair lifts, ramps, and other accessibility solutions, including rental options and monthly financing.

• National Association of Specialty & Senior Move Managers (NASMM®)
  Helps with downsizing, organizing, and simplifying a home—useful whether you’re aging in place or preparing for a future move.

Resources listed for informational purposes only.

⚠️ Do Your Homework Before Hiring

Before working with any provider:

• Check Google reviews, Yelp, or Facebook recommendations

• Review Better Business Bureau (BBB) ratings

• Ask your local Council on Aging, neighbors, or family for referrals

• Request written estimates and ask about warranties or guarantees

What works for one homeowner may not be the best fit for another. Taking time to research can help you avoid unnecessary stress and expense.

7. Have You Looked at Your Home’s Market Value Before Renovating?

This step is often skipped—and it shouldn’t be.

Before committing to major renovations:

• Have a real estate professional evaluate what your home could realistically sell for

• Compare that value to renovation costs

• Tour homes that already meet your needs

Many homeowners are surprised by the options that become available once they see the full picture.

The Bottom Line

You don’t have to decide today.
You don’t have to move.
And you don’t have to renovate blindly.

But before taking on major projects, gathering all the facts allows your next chapter to be intentional—not reactive.

And yes… sometimes moving ends up being the best decision people didn’t expect to make.