Rightsizing Senior Living: A Guide for Adult Children

For many older adults, the home they have lived in for decades holds cherished memories—but over time, it can also become harder to maintain or navigate safely. In fact, according to AARP, 71% of older adults who plan to move cite the cost of rent or mortgage as a key motivator, while 60% say home maintenance expenses are too high and 55% are burdened by property taxes. These practical concerns often signal it may be time to reconsider the current living situation.

As adult children, starting the conversation about moving can be tough. It’s not just about square footage—it’s about identity, independence and the emotions tied to “home.” Still, opening the dialogue early—with empathy and respect—can lead to a lifestyle that’s not only safer and more manageable, but also filled with new opportunities.

One option to explore is rightsizing—helping your parents transition to a space that better fits their current needs. That might mean a smaller home or a move to a senior living community like The Commons in Lincoln, which offers Independent Living along with a continuum of care—a model designed to provide evolving support as residents’ needs change.

Here is how to approach the conversation, address concerns and highlight the benefits of this next chapter.

Start with Empathy, Not Urgency

It’s natural to want your parents in a safer, more manageable space—especially if their current home is no longer practical. But while it may seem like an obvious choice to you, to them, it can feel like a major loss.
Instead of insisting on a move, try framing the conversation around helping them reclaim control of their lives. Rightsizing can be about making life easier, not about giving things up.

What is Rightsizing in Senior Living?

Rightsizing means finding a home that fits your parents’ current lifestyle—not too big to manage, not too small to feel restricted. It is about gaining the freedom and confidence to enjoy life on their terms. At The Commons, Independent Living offers just that—along with a vibrant community where older adults can stay active, engaged and supported. From cultural programs and fitness classes to friendly neighbors and enriching conversations, it is a place that truly feels like home.

Discover the Many Benefits of a Lifecare Community

The Commons is a Type-A continuing care retirement community (CCRC) offering a Lifecare contract—meaning your care needs are covered through the full continuum of care, all on one campus. They will receive the right level of support when they need it.

Enjoy these benefits with Lifecare:

• On-site Wellness Services
• More Predictable Costs
• Full Continuum of Care: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care and Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation
• Tax Benefits

Use Decluttering as a Gentle Starting Point

One way to ease into the conversation is by offering to help your parents sort through items in areas they rarely use—like upstairs bedrooms, storage rooms, or the basement. Volunteer to bring boxes or bins up for them to go through together. This not only gets the process started but keeps them actively involved and in control.

As you work side by side, they may begin to realize just how much space is going unused—and how few of their belongings they actually need. What begins as a simple organizing project can often spark deeper conversations about what truly matters and how rightsizing might lead to a more manageable, fulfilling lifestyle.

As they sort and organize, they may start to recognize how little they need—and how liberating rightsizing can be.

Have the Talk: Independence Isn’t About Square Footage

Once the conversation is flowing, gently bring up how their current home may be limiting their independence rather than protecting it.

Ask thoughtful questions:

• Who is doing the laundry if the basement is off-limits?
• Are upper-level rooms being cleaned or maintained?
• Would they notice if there were a leak or damage somewhere out of sight?

Moving to a thoughtfully designed senior living community like The Commons can actually help them regain control over their daily routines—without sacrificing privacy or autonomy.

Focus on What They Will Gain

When talking with your parents, center the conversation around what a move can add to their lives—not what they might be leaving behind. A senior living community like The Commons offers more than just a place to live—it offers a lifestyle designed to support independence, connection and well-being.

Here is what that can look like:

• More time for what matters: No more home repairs or yard work—just the freedom to focus on hobbies, travel and time with loved ones.
• A built-in social circle: From fitness classes to cultural outings, community life opens doors to meaningful connection and new friendships.
• Support when needed: With access to health and wellness services and a continuum of care, residents can feel secure today and confident about tomorrow.
• Independence, redefined: Private apartments or cottages paired with services tailored to personal preferences allow older adults to thrive on their own terms.

By framing the move as a step toward more ease, fulfillment and peace of mind, you help your loved ones see it as an opportunity—not a sacrifice.

Is Rightsizing Financially Worth It?

When considering a move, it is helpful to take a close look at the numbers—and the lifestyle that comes with them. Rightsizing can unlock significant savings, especially when you factor in the hidden costs of maintaining a large home.

What should you compare?

• Monthly expenses: Smaller homes or senior living communities may mean lower utility bills, reduced property taxes and fewer unexpected repairs.
• Maintenance savings: Costs related to yard work, snow removal, housekeeping and routine upkeep can quickly add up. In many communities, these services are built in.
• Peace of mind: The value of more predictable costs, access to support and more time to focus on what matters most is hard to put a price on—but it makes a difference.

By taking a full view of both the financial and lifestyle benefits, it is easier to see how rightsizing can lead to greater freedom, fewer worries and a better quality of life.

Let Your Parents Set the Pace

This is not a one-and-done conversation. Be patient, and allow your parents time to consider their options. Their willingness to explore new possibilities may grow once they feel heard and supported—not rushed.
Offer to visit communities with them, just to “look.” The right environment—one that feels like home—can make all the difference.

A Life That Fits Just Right at The Commons

We understand that rightsizing senior living is a deeply personal journey. That is why we offer customizable cottage and apartment homes designed for independence, comfort and style. As resident, Linda E., shared, “This has been the start of a new active and fulfilling lifestyle. I wish I had made the decision to move sooner!”