Living with others: shared housing forms

If you would like to live with others but still want to retain a high degree of independence, you can opt for shared housing in one of its many forms. Similar to the flat shares so popular with students, shared housing projects for the elderly are self-organised initiatives. The difference here, however, is that each and every resident has not just a separate room, but their own flat to ensure they have privacy and personal space. But besides that aside, shared or communal housing can offer far more than the neighbourhood relations generally seen as the norm. In many cases, the housing projects are actually planned by the would-be residents themselves and in collaboration with others. Once they have moved in, the residents are there for each other whenever help is needed.

The dual advantage with this form of housing is that you can continue to live independently for longer in old age and you are not alone. You have contact with others and can rely on the help of your fellow residents and housemates should the need arise.

Of course, anyone wanting to live in shared housing must be willing to share an element of their private life with others and to help them out in times of need. There is also the risk that you might have to move out should you require long-term care or suffer from dementia.