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Alternative forms of living in old age

The idea of moving into a retirement home deters many seniors from looking into the topic of living in old age. However, assisted living does not always mean a nursing home, and not every nursing home means giving up all your freedom. In a good assisted living facility, you can continue to live independently while relying on the support of trained nursing staff. However, shared living arrangements, as we know them from young students, are also becoming increasingly popular among older people. Those who want to trade their own home and loneliness for an alternative form of living in their old age have various options.

Shared apartment, nursing home, or assisted living?

The older you get, the more difficult it often becomes to cope with everyday tasks. Physical limitations and illnesses can make simple errands a problem and daily life a challenge. For such circumstances, assisted living or a senior citizens' shared apartment offers a good opportunity to cope with everyday life. Shared living is not the ideal solution for everyone. For example, people who have lived alone for a long time may feel more comfortable in a community with more opportunities for privacy. Ultimately, you need to decide which model best suits your needs and requirements or those of your parents or grandparents in their old age:

Plus shared apartment

Here, the "old" can learn from the young: for young people, it is the most natural thing in the world to get together and share apartments. No other form of living offers so much social interaction and freedom at the same time.

Perhaps your home, which you can hardly afford on your own, is perfect for sharing with one or two new roommates, making it a livelier and more carefree place. Four hands are better than two when it comes to gardening and housework. Having to share the bathroom cabinet and the stove may feel a little strange at first. But after a short adjustment period, and at the latest when the joint coffee klatch has become a cherished ritual, you won't want to be without your roommates.

If there are no major health problems and you can manage without external help, a so-called "plus flat share" is a good option. However, if there are health or mental impairments or a level of care is required, and regular medical attention is therefore necessary, other forms of living may be more suitable.


Assisted living

In assisted living, residents live in their own apartments that are specially designed for care. Such apartments are often located in special residential areas and buildings. Assisted living combines the advantages of independent living in one's own home with the benefits of a care facility. If the accommodation is adequately equipped, people in need of care, i.e., those with a care level, can of course also take advantage of assisted living. Ultimately, the circumstances determine the extent to which comprehensive care is feasible and, in severe cases, whether assisted living is appropriate. The quality of living and life should, of course, be the top priority. However, the costs are also an important factor that should be considered in advance.

The rent alone is not enough. There is also a flat-rate care fee: the costs for any additional services must be paid by the resident, as must the total costs of assisted living. The regulations regarding financial support based on a care level can sometimes be offset against the costs of the flat-rate care fee for assisted living or offset against the care allowance. The basic services of assisted living include, among other things, housekeeping, an emergency call system, and various care services that can be selected individually.

There are several criteria that influence the cost of assisted living. In general, however, the price level is above the usual regional rent. The local prices for basic rent and utilities, plus an additional flat rate of approximately 10% to 20% of the monthly basic rent for basic building services, can be used as a price guide when looking for suitable accommodation.


Senior citizens' shared apartment

A senior citizens' shared apartment is a type of housing similar to a retirement home, usually with round-the-clock care. If comprehensive medical care is required, a senior citizens' shared apartment is a good place to be, where residents are well looked after but can still enjoy a degree of independence. Especially when aging begins to restrict us, living in a senior citizens' shared apartment can open new doors to autonomy. Not only is it easier to find a new direction in life when living in a community, but shared apartments also offer many financial and emotional advantages.

In a shared apartment, you can share not only joys and sorrows, but also costs and household chores. Supporting each other in everyday life, listening to each other, helping each other with tips and tricks, and being surprised with a homemade birthday cake—all this comes free of charge in a good shared apartment. For older people, the sense of security that automatically arises when living with others under one roof should not be underestimated: in a medical emergency, there is always someone around who can help.


Care facility – the right move?

Many people in need of care are very afraid of leaving their beloved home and moving to a completely new environment. This decision is not easy for relatives either. Whether parents or grandparents suddenly or gradually require care, for example due to dementia, you are probably like most relatives facing this situation for the first time and feel ill-prepared. Feelings of guilt and uncertainty are not uncommon, but they are not necessarily justified.

The decision to move into a care facility can be the right—and important—step if

  • Your relative has few social contacts but would like more interaction
  • the home is not suitable for outpatient care,
  • You do not live nearby or do not have the capacity,
  • the level of care required is very high
  • or if the person has progressive dementia.

What suits my life situation?

Are you considering moving into assisted living and don't know what to do with your property? Or do you need help finding a suitable, age-appropriate property for your loved ones? We may already have the right property for you in our extensive database.

Find the ideal age-appropriate living arrangement with the help of a professional

Our network of lawyers, financial advisors, tax consultants, and many more guarantees you comprehensive, all-round advice so that we can provide you with the best possible support for all your questions and requests, even beyond the mere brokerage process. Contact us without obligation, we will be happy to advise you.

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That depends on the individual case. Certain properties (e.g. vacation homes) are in higher demand at certain times and are therefore easier to sell.

Is there an optimal time to sell real estate?

What are the benefits of lifelong right of residence?

Regardless of who owns the property in the future, e.g., through sale or transfer to family members, I can continue to live in the property for the rest of my life.

Both are subject to legal and tax considerations. Therefore, always seek professional advice in advance.

Which is better: bequeathing real estate or gifting it?

Which is better: real estate annuity or lifelong right of residence?

Both have different advantages and disadvantages. It depends on your personal situation.

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