Homes hold memories. They hold family history, meaning, and for many, a lifetime of love. But as we age, the very places that once felt secure can quietly become harder—and riskier—to live in.

Most homes in the U.S. were never designed for aging bodies. Yet many older adults feel emotionally and financially locked in. The result? Families delay important housing decisions until a crisis forces change.

Today, we were joined by Harlan Accola, who leads the reverse mortgage team at Movement Mortgage, about a lesser-known option that may help older adults move into safer homes—without taking on new required monthly payments.

Falls are far more common—and costly—than most people realize.

Roughly 30 million older Americans fall each year. About one in five of those falls results in serious injury, often leading to hospitalization. The direct medical costs alone total nearly $50 billion annually. But the emotional and lifestyle costs for families can be even greater.

What’s sobering is where these falls happen. Not in extreme situations—but in ordinary places:

These everyday features become obstacles as mobility changes.

Most homes were built decades ago for young families in different stages of life. Only a small percentage include basic accessibility features such as:

As a result, stairs, tubs, and tight spaces often push older adults toward assisted living or nursing homes—not because they want to move, but because their homes no longer support their safety.

Even when homeowners recognize their house isn’t ideal anymore, they often hesitate to move.

There are two major reasons:

1. Emotional Attachment

This is the home where children were raised, and milestones were celebrated. Letting go isn’t easy.

2. Financial Lock-In

Many retirees either:

They worry that selling means taking on a new mortgage payment—something they might regret later in life. So they stay…often until something goes wrong.

Many people assume a reverse mortgage is only for accessing equity in their current home. But there’s another option: using a reverse mortgage at the point of purchase. Here’s how it can work:

For example:

The key distinction? No required monthly mortgage payments for as long as the homeowner lives in the home. That opens the door to:

One of the wisest principles in Scripture is found in Proverbs 27:12: “The prudent see danger and take refuge.”

Housing decisions in later life should reflect that kind of prudence. Rather than waiting for:

Families can proactively ask: How can we use the housing wealth we’ve built to improve safety and quality of life—while we’re still healthy?

When purchasing a home for the “fourth quarter” of life, it shouldn’t just be your best home—it should be your safest home.

Interestingly, two-thirds of retirees still carry a mortgage. Even when downsizing, some may still need financing. A reverse mortgage for purchase can allow retirees to:

Like any financial tool, it isn’t right for everyone. But for some families, it may provide a path forward they didn’t realize existed.

Housing is more than real estate—it’s stewardship. It’s about safety, dignity, and wise preparation for the season ahead.

If you’d like to learn more about whether a reverse mortgage for purchase could fit your situation, you can explore your options at Movement.com/Faith.

As with any major decision, seek wise counsel, pray for clarity, and take steps not just to protect your assets—but to protect your well-being.

Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every workday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God’s resources.

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