As I Age, Will I Be Able to Maintain My Home?

A Guide for Older Homeowners Navigating Maintenance with Confidence

For many older adults, the idea of staying in their longtime home brings comfort, familiarity, and emotional security. But one of the most common questions I hear from clients and community members alike is, “As I age, will I be able to maintain my home?”

It’s an important and valid concern. From leaky faucets to roof repairs, homeownership comes with responsibilities—some manageable, others more physically or financially demanding. Fortunately, there are proactive ways to plan for the future, preserve your independence, and ensure your home remains safe and livable.

Understanding the Challenges

Aging brings natural changes in mobility, strength, vision, and stamina. Tasks that once felt simple—like climbing a ladder to clean gutters or troubleshooting a broken appliance—can suddenly become risky or overwhelming. And let’s face it: even younger homeowners can find home maintenance exhausting!

But for older adults, letting routine upkeep slip through the cracks can have bigger consequences. A neglected leak can lead to costly water damage. Poor ventilation or outdated electrical systems can increase health and safety risks. Over time, deferred maintenance can impact both your quality of life and your home’s value.

Signs That Maintenance May Be Beyond Your Capabilities

It’s important to know when to ask for help. Here are some common signs that home maintenance may be getting too difficult:

• You’re avoiding or delaying basic repairs because they seem too hard, costly, or physically taxing.

• You’ve experienced a fall or injury while performing home tasks (e.g., using a ladder, lifting heavy items).

• You notice more safety hazards, like burnt-out lights, uneven steps, cluttered walkways, or broken fixtures.

• Your home’s appearance is slipping, with overgrown landscaping, peeling paint, or persistent issues like leaks or pests.

• You feel anxious or overwhelmed when thinking about what needs to be done.

If any of these sound familiar, it’s time to reassess your approach—not as a failure, but as an opportunity to protect your wellbeing and preserve your independence.

Smart Strategies for Managing Home Maintenance

You don’t have to go it alone. With the right plan and a little support, you can stay ahead of your home’s needs without overextending yourself. Here are a few practical tips:

1. Create a Home Maintenance Calendar

Break down tasks by season. For example:

• Spring: Clean gutters, service HVAC, inspect for water damage

• Summer: Check roof and sprinklers, touch up paint

• Fall: Clear leaves, test smoke detectors, check door & window seals

• Winter: Check insulation, monitor for leaks, clean vents

Having a checklist helps you stay organized and catch small issues before they become big problems.

2. Prioritize Safety and Simplicity

If your home has aging-in-place modifications—grab bars, better lighting, lever-style handles—you’re already ahead of the game. Consider additional updates such as:

• Replacing high-maintenance landscaping with drought-tolerant plants

• Installing smart home features like video doorbells, leak detectors, or motion lights

• Switching to low-maintenance materials (e.g., vinyl windows, composite decking)

3. Build a Trusted Support Network

Build a team  of reliable service providers: a handyman, plumber, electrician, gardener, and general contractor. If you don’t already have trusted contacts, ask neighbors or your real estate agent (like me!) for referrals.

4. Budget for Annual Repairs

A good rule of thumb is to set aside 1–3% of your home’s value annually for upkeep. Having a maintenance savings fund reduces financial stress and gives you flexibility to act quickly when something needs fixing.

Knowing When It’s Time for a Bigger Conversation

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, keeping up with a home just isn’t feasible anymore. That doesn’t mean you’ve failed—it simply means your priorities and circumstances have shifted.

If your home has become a source of stress, if repairs are piling up, or if safety is becoming a concern, it might be time to explore other options:

• Downsizing to a smaller home or condo

• Moving closer to family or into a senior-friendly community

• Selling and using proceeds to fund a more maintenance-free lifestyle

These decisions aren’t easy, but they can be empowering. As a Seniors Real Estate Specialist® (SRES), I help older adults and their families explore what’s next with compassion, clarity, and no pressure.

In Summary

Maintaining a home as you age is absolutely possible—with planning, support, and the willingness to adapt. Whether you’re continuing to age in place or considering a future transition, remember: you’re not alone. There are tools, resources, and people ready to help you live safely and comfortably in the place you call home.