Self-determined living, even when in need of extensive care

Shared housing and communal living for those reliant on longterm care

Assisted living and shared housing allow residents to live a largely normal life in a self-determined way, even if they need
extensive long-term care. As a rule, a group of between six and twelve people live in an assisted living group. They have their own room or small flat which the furnish themselves, while the kitchen- diner and sanitary facilities are shared. When needed, care-givers and nursing staff are present round the clock and manage the household for the group. Care and nursing services tailored to residents’ individuals needs are provided by qualified staff.

This form of housing provides an alternative to a nursing home, even for people who need extensive long-term care.

Their daily routine is not dictated by the care they receive, but by the kinds of normal activities that occur in most households and homes. Residents themselves decide their schedules, meal times, furniture and furnishings, and from whom they would like to receive additional services and help. Staff are able to dedicate more time to caring for the residents than would be the case in a conventional nursing home and are better able to cater to residents’ individual needs.

It is, however, important to remember that like all forms of communal living, residents live very closely together and must be willing to compromise when organising and going about their daily lives. Other than in large residential facilities, no broad-based recreation activities are available. Residents and their family members remain responsible for organising services and care.

When it comes to financing the services you need, you may under certain circumstances only be eligible to receive the lower-scale long-term care insurance rates that apply for out-patient care. And as issues can often arise with regard to legal categorisations, it makes sense to contact the responsible supervisory authorities to ask for advice at an early stage.