If your current home does not feel like the best long-term fit, moving does not have to mean giving up independence. Some people with early-stage Alzheimer’s choose a setting that offers less upkeep, more social contact, or easier access to future care.
Options may include:
Independent Living or Retirement Housing This may work for people in the early stage of Alzheimer’s who can still live independently but want a smaller space, less maintenance, or help with transportation, meals, or social activities.
Coliving or Sharing a Home Some people move closer to family, choose a roommate, live with a trusted friend, or look for an intentional community to reduce isolation and share daily life.
When considering these options, Rughwani recommends starting with what matters most to the person with Alzheimer’s: independence, privacy, social time, proximity to family, access to healthcare, and how much help they are willing to accept.
Cost is also central. “Even though someone might want something a certain way, that is not necessarily what they may be able to afford,” says Rughwani.
- Staffing, including how many employees are trained in working with people with dementia
- Daily activities and social life
- Transportation options
- What meals are provided and typical menu options
- Available outdoor space and other common areas
- Monthly fees, what they include, and which services cost extra
