Why are seniors taking in roommates?

Seniors take in roommates most often to offset rising home costs like property tax, insurance and maintenance, or simply to have another person in the home for company and occasional help around the house. For a senior who owns their home outright, a roommate's contribution can meaningfully reduce monthly expenses without the disruption of a full move. It is not the right fit for everyone, and downsizing to a smaller home remains a common alternative that removes the shared-living tradeoff entirely. Joel Boss can compare what each option would actually mean financially.