Southern California feels it most: According to The Signal, in L.A. County, the average waitlist for subsidized senior housing is more than five years
If you’re over 60 and living in Southern California, there’s a good chance the home you’re in now may not serve you well in the years ahead.
And you’re not alone.
By 2030, one in five Californians will be over 65. In areas like Orange County, Los Angeles, and San Diego, seniors already make up a major part of the population. But the homes? They’re mostly built for another era and another stage of life.
Most people want to stay put. But the truth is, many homes in our region were built decades ago, often with stairs, narrow doorways, high-maintenance yards, and outdated layouts. They weren’t designed with aging in mind.
Why This Matters More Than You Might Realize
Aging in place sounds ideal until the layout stops working for you.
When the bathroom feels cramped, when getting groceries becomes a chore, or when your home just starts to feel too big, that’s when the cracks start to show.
And if you’ve looked around lately, you’ve likely noticed: downsizing is harder than ever. Senior-friendly homes are limited. The ones that are available often get snapped up or priced out of reach.
Planning Ahead Is Not Giving Up…It’s Taking Control
Too often, people wait until a major event forces a move. A fall. A health scare. The loss of a spouse. Suddenly, the choices are fewer, the pressure is higher, and someone else is making decisions for you.
But if you plan ahead, before something urgent happens, you get to:
• Choose your next home on your terms
• Decide when and how to make a move
• Stay safe, independent, and in control • Ease the burden on your family later
You may not be ready to move now. But being ready to move someday is a gift to your future self.
What You Can Do Now
Start by asking the right questions:
The answers will help guide your next steps whether it’s modifying your home, exploring new options, or just having the first conversation with your family.
You’re Not Alone in This
Thousands of older adults across California are thinking about this right now. Some are building accessory units for aging parents. Others are joining senior-focused communities. Many are downsizing to homes that offer comfort without the burden.
And some are just beginning the conversation. Resources like Time4Change and Caring Transitions are a great place to start. Not only do they know most of the options for senior living in their communities, but they can lay out a map to help get you there when you are ready.
Wherever you are in the process, know this: you’re not behind. But the sooner you think about it, the more options you’ll have.
Final Thought
You’ve built a life, a home, and a community. Now it’s time to plan for the next season in a way that supports your health, freedom, and peace of mind.
Planning ahead doesn’t mean giving something up. It means protecting everything you’ve built.
Share this article to those who may be wondering where they can move next or just would like to know the value of a home. For more information, contact W. David Osborne, a senior-certified real estate broker with over 7,000 homes sold. He leads Time4Change Real Estate, a senior-focused brokerage in Southern California.
📞 W. David Osborne (DRE 01346546) | 714-910-9820 | Time4Change Real Estate
