Residing instead of resigning: What are the benefits of moving to a retirement home?
Although there is no binding definition for a retirement home, there are uniform criteria and quality descriptions for them.
Quality of life in old age – a valuable asset
A retirement home offers upscale private rooms and additional amenities such as a swimming pool, sauna, elegant lounges, and libraries. Residents have access to a sophisticated range of leisure, cultural, and event offerings, as well as comprehensive care services. It is not uncommon to find physical therapy and doctors' offices on site, as well as restaurants, a cafeteria, boutiques with a bank counter, and a chapel or other spiritual retreats. All of this combined can certainly offer more inspiration for a fulfilling "autumn of life" than spending it alone in a home that has become too big.
Not every retirement home delivers what it promises
However, the terms "senior residence" and "senior citizens' home" are not legally protected. In principle, they can therefore be used arbitrarily, and on closer inspection, they may simply refer to assisted living facilities or normal nursing homes. It is therefore important to compare the offers carefully and get a feel for the atmosphere on site before deciding to move into a retirement home.
Pension flat rate instead of rent
Living in a retirement home is significantly more expensive than in other senior care facilities. One special feature is that residents usually do not pay rent, but a monthly flat-rate pension. This covers living and care costs. One disadvantage of such "all-inclusive offers" is that residents may end up paying for a lot of services that they do not (yet) use. Or they receive comprehensive care that they do not yet need, which can even have a negative impact on their independence.
Are you or your relatives considering spending your retirement in a senior living facility and would like to know what you can do with your property? Contact us! We will be happy to advise you.
Further information can be found here:
- older people in Germany.pdf
- destatis.de: Demographic change from age 65
- Wikipedia.org: Retirement home
Legal notice: This article does not constitute tax or legal advice in individual cases. Please consult a lawyer and/or tax advisor to clarify the facts of your specific case.
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