What requirements must an age-appropriate apartment meet?

As you get older, your needs regarding your home change. Just a few years ago, a large garden was important for your children to play in, but now maintaining it is a challenge. Climbing the grand staircase to your bedroom is also becoming increasingly difficult. It's time to start thinking about a comfortable retirement home that better meets your evolving needs.

When the children have left home and maintaining their own property becomes increasingly difficult, many seniors decide to exchange their house for a senior-friendly apartment. However, considering an accessible apartment where you will feel comfortable even in old age is worthwhile even if you are currently in good health. In a few years, the situation could be very different. For apartments specifically designed for seniors, the features and the surrounding area with good infrastructure are both important.

The ideal senior apartment

When it comes to the layout of a future apartment, it should by no means be too cramped. Not every senior citizen is so severely limited in their mobility that they can barely move around within their own home. Often, seniors simply desire fewer rooms on a single floor. They still want ample space and to be surrounded by their familiar furniture, books, and collectibles, even in their later years. To ensure barrier-free access in this comfortable environment, even in a wheelchair, wide hallways and walk-in showers are particularly important. Furthermore, it is advantageous if the windows are easy to open.

If you choose an apartment building specifically designed for seniors, all the above-mentioned precautions have already been taken. This means you won't have to worry about any renovations and can relax immediately after moving in. Purchasing an apartment in a senior-friendly complex may also be eligible for government subsidies.

Examine the surroundings closely

Besides the furnishings, the surroundings of your senior living apartment are also of great importance. Life in the countryside can certainly be idyllic, but it brings many challenges with age. The older you get, the more crucial good infrastructure becomes. Supermarkets, doctors, and even a hospital should ideally be within walking distance. In an emergency, the ambulance should arrive as quickly as possible, as every minute counts. Therefore, it is particularly advisable for seniors living alone to install an easily accessible emergency button in their apartment.

Are you considering moving into a senior living apartment? Contact us! We'd be happy to support you as you begin this new chapter of your life.

 

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Legal notice: This article does not constitute tax or legal advice for any specific case. Please consult a lawyer and/or tax advisor to clarify the facts of your individual situation.

 

Photo: © AndrewLozovyi/Depositphotos.com

About the author

Harry Mohr

Real estate agent (Chamber of Industry and Commerce)

Harry Mohr, author of this article

Harry Mohr

Real estate agent (Chamber of Industry and Commerce)

Harry Mohr holds a degree in real estate economics (EIA) and is the owner of Immobilien Kontor Saarlouis. As a DEKRA-certified real estate appraiser, he supports his colleagues and clients in all areas of real estate marketing.