Special forms of housing for people in old age
Most elderly people want to remain in the familiar surroundings of their own home for as long as they possibly can. That they do is confirmed by statistics: half of people aged 70 and over have lived in the same home for more than 30 years. But there is also a trend towards new forms of housing, be it with special services on offer or with a resident mix of old and young all living under one roof.
There is no one form of housing that suits elderly people per se. Moving house at an early stage can make sense to enable new contacts to be made in a new location, find more suitable living conditions and meet personal housing wants and needs. The first step is to get a clear picture of what you feel is right for you – preferably talking things through with your partner, family members, friends and other people of your age.
If you change your mind later down the line and want or need a change, there are several options to choose from. The following chapter gives an overview of the kinds of choices on offer.
Checklist: Personal housing wants and needs
- Are you happy with your current housing situation?
- Would you like to stay in your familiar surroundings, come what may?
- Do you see a need to move (for example because of impairments)?
- Would you especially like to move to another place?
- Would you like to live with others in old age?
- Would you like greater assurance that you will be provided for in old age (for example, if you become ill)?
- Would you like to have more services available (for example, to help with daily shopping)?
- Would you like to have more professional help in the home (for example, with cleaning and other household tasks)?
- Are you looking for more (or new) social contacts?