
This is how age-appropriate living works
The term "assisted living" is not legally protected in Germany. Therefore, it covers many different concepts. When choosing the right accommodation, you should therefore carefully check the reputation of the provider and the services offered. After all, most offers are not necessarily cheap, and you probably don't want to move again.
Assisted living in the narrower sense means having your own apartment on the grounds or in the building of a nursing home or in a residential complex specially designed for assisted living, so that all care services are available at all times and can be adapted to individual care needs. The term "assisted living" is also often used to refer to "service living." Here, you live in a senior citizens' apartment or in your own home, which has been converted to make it barrier-free, and receive additional services such as meal service, domestic help, and regular visits from a caregiver.
Costs and services
The costs of assisted living depend on whether you buy or rent your apartment in the complex and on the care services you require. The costs for apartments in assisted living complexes are usually slightly above the real estate price index for a region. The costs for care must be paid additionally. As a rule, separate contracts are concluded for the apartment and care. If you rent your apartment, you should make sure that you have a lifelong right of residence. When signing the care contract, it is important that all services provided are listed in detail and that there is an option to adjust these services to changing care needs. If you have been assigned a recognized care level, the nursing care insurance fund will cover the costs of care services.
Assisted living is therefore particularly interesting for seniors who are already limited in their independence or who are likely to experience further limitations due to the progression of an illness. If you are still fit and there are no signs that you will need care in the future, it is advisable to move into a senior citizens' apartment, where you can also apply for care services in an emergency.
Photo: KatarzynaBialasiewicz