Shift in Elderly Care Preferences
Are traditional elderly care facilities on the verge of becoming obsolete? A recent survey reveals that Americans are more than twice as likely to consider bringing an elderly family member into their home rather than opting for a nursing home.
The survey, which included 2,000 respondents, highlights a notable trend: 39% expressed that moving older relatives into their own home was the most likely choice. In comparison, only 19% showed interest in assisted living communities, while a mere 16% considered senior living or memory care facilities.
These findings suggest significant changes in retirement living preferences, particularly among the baby boomer generation.
However, this shift comes with a challenge. The survey also revealed that many families are not having the important conversations needed to plan for age-related care. Approximately half of the participants admitted they hadn’t discussed future living arrangements with their elderly relatives.
Liz Weir, the chief marketing officer at LevLane, noted, “These findings suggest a clear shift in the way families think about aging care, with more Americans expecting to address aging care at home rather than relying on traditional facilities. Yet, many haven’t engaged in the necessary conversations to prepare.”
When discussions do happen, many seem to believe that responsibility will be shared. About 19% think their adult children are likely to broach the topic of living conditions, while 18% expect the siblings of the elderly parent to lead the conversation. Only 17% believe the older person themselves would start the dialogue.
Despite the sensitive nature of these discussions, most participants aren’t expecting them to be especially tough. In fact, 52% anticipate these conversations to go smoothly, while just 24% worry they might be emotionally challenging. Interestingly, 70% of children felt confident that discussing these matters would be uncomplicated.
There’s also a noticeable willingness to take charge of caregiving decisions. Nearly a third of eldest children and 42% of only children expect to spearhead future decisions about their parents’ living situations.
Overall, 65% of those surveyed feel their families are adequately prepared to make decisions regarding their elderly relatives’ housing needs.
Safety emerged as the primary concern for nearly 30% of respondents, followed by cost (27%) and medical needs (25%). Mental well-being and the elderly parents’ preferences also played significant roles in decision-making, indicating the emotional weight behind these choices. Yet, caregiving can bring about its own set of conflicts. Over half of the participants reported experiencing tension within families due to caregiving responsibilities, though many siblings remain hopeful about sharing the workload.
Looking ahead, 29% of respondents see themselves as future decision-makers, and 27% expect to be the primary caregivers. Despite this, a strong majority—about 79%—believe that aging parents should retain the autonomy to make their own living arrangements.
Weir comments, “This study reflects the complex changes in how Americans approach aging care. Many people want to welcome elderly relatives into their homes, but it’s clear that they also face emotional, financial, and logistical challenges.”
In conclusion, while a desire for a more active role in the care of loved ones exists, the lack of early discussions about living arrangements suggests a need for better planning and communication.
Research method:
This survey was conducted by Talker Research and included 2,000 Americans from Generation X and younger who have a living parent with internet access. It was commissioned by LevLane and managed online from December 8th to December 15th, 2025.
