As we age, our needs regarding our homes change. While a large garden and plenty of children's rooms might have been important to you at 30, at 70 you'll probably appreciate having few stairs to climb and the supermarket right around the corner. But what else should you consider when it comes to age-appropriate living?
The children have left home, gardening is becoming increasingly strenuous, and the thought of cleaning the windows already fills you with dread – in such a situation, many seniors decide to exchange their single-family home for a senior-friendly apartment. Many construction companies have now recognized this emerging market and offer apartments specifically adapted for seniors. In this context, not only the right amenities but also the surrounding area is crucial.
Regarding the layout of these apartments, there has long been a misconception. Not every retiree requires care. While many seniors prefer fewer rooms and, above all, a single-story apartment, this doesn't mean the existing rooms should be small and cramped. Sufficient space and personal space remain important even in old age.
Even if you're currently fit, you should still consider the future when choosing your retirement home. A narrow hallway and high door thresholds might not be a problem now, but things could be very different in ten years. To avoid having to move again later, it's advisable to prioritize accessibility early on. This means, for example, that all hallways are wide enough for wheelchair access and that the floor is as level as possible. Walk-in showers should be standard in a senior-friendly apartment, as should wide doorways, easy-to-open windows, and central heating with temperature control.
Besides the apartment's amenities, the surrounding area is also crucial. A secluded retirement home in the countryside might be a romantic notion, but in reality, good infrastructure is essential. Grocery stores and doctors should ideally be within walking distance, and the nearest hospital shouldn't be too far away. In an emergency, every minute counts. If the ambulance has to travel from the nearest larger town, it could be too late by the time it arrives in the case of a heart attack or stroke. If you live alone, it's also advisable to install an emergency call button in your apartment to quickly alert emergency services.
A senior apartment doesn't necessarily have to be on the ground floor. If it's accessible by elevator, that's perfectly sufficient. Ideally, there should be several elevators in the building. Then there's no problem if one of them breaks down. If there are still a few steps at the entrance, it's important that there's also a ramp.
If you choose an apartment in a building specifically designed for seniors, all these points will already have been taken into account. This means you won't have to worry about making the apartment accessible yourself; you can simply move into your new home without any hassle. Senior housing is generally divided into privately financed and government-subsidized properties. In some German states, government subsidies require certain age and income limits to be met. This is to ensure that the apartments are actually allocated to those in need.
Do you want to sell your property and move into a senior-friendly apartment? We would be happy to support you as you begin this new phase of your life.