Special forms of housing for the elderly
Most older people still want to stay in their familiar home in old age. This fact is also reflected in the figures: for example, half of all over-70s have lived in the same home for more than 30 years. At the same time, there is a trend towards new forms of housing, be it with special service offers or in a combination of young and old.
So, there is no one form of housing that is the best for all elderly people. Moving house at an early stage may be sensible, in order to establish new networks in a new place, find better prerequisites and realise personal housing wishes. The first step is always to get a clear idea of your personal wishes – at best also by talking to your partner, relatives, friends and peers.
If you want or need to change once more late in life, you have a number of alternatives to choose from.
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?