What makes an age-appropriate retirement home

As you get older, your expectations of your own home change. While a large garden and plenty of children's rooms were important to you when you were 30, at 70 you are probably happier about not having to climb many stairs and having the supermarket just around the corner. But what else needs to be considered when it comes to age-appropriate living?

The children have left home, tending the garden is becoming increasingly strenuous and the thought of the next window cleaning is already giving you the shivers - in a situation like this, many senior citizens decide to swap their detached house for a retirement apartment. Many construction companies have now recognized the emerging market and offer apartments specially adapted for senior citizens. It is not only the right furnishings that are important, but also the surroundings.

As far as the layout of these apartments is concerned, the wrong approach was taken for a long time. After all, not every pensioner is already in need of care. It is true that many senior citizens want fewer rooms in their new home and, above all, only one floor. However, this does not mean that the existing rooms should be small and cramped. Sufficient space and freedom are still important in old age.

Nevertheless, even if you are still fit now, you should think about the future when choosing your retirement home. A narrow hallway and high doorsteps may not be a problem today - in ten years' time, it could be a completely different story. To avoid having to relocate, it is advisable to focus on accessibility at an early stage. This means, for example, that all corridors are wide enough for a wheelchair to pass through and that the floor is as level as possible. Floor-level showers should be standard in a retirement home, as should wide door frames, easy-to-open windows and central heating with temperature regulation.

In addition to the furnishings in the apartment, the surroundings should not be underestimated. A secluded retirement home in the countryside may be a romantic idea. In reality, however, a good infrastructure is a must. If possible, grocery stores and doctors should be within walking distance and the nearest hospital should not be too far away either. Because when an emergency occurs, every minute often counts. If the ambulance has to come from the next largest town, it may be too late by the time it arrives in the event of a heart attack or stroke. If you live alone, it is also advisable to install an emergency call button in your home so that the emergency services can be alerted quickly.

Incidentally, a retirement apartment does not necessarily have to be on the first floor. If it can be reached by elevator, that is perfectly sufficient. Ideally, there should be several elevators in the building. Then there is no problem if one of them breaks down. If there are still a few steps in the entrance area, it is important that there is also a ramp.

If you opt for an apartment in a residential building specifically for senior citizens, all of these points will already have been taken into account. This means you don't have to worry about barrier-free conversions yourself, but can move into your new property with peace of mind. A distinction can be made between privately financed and state-subsidized properties for senior citizens. In some federal states, state subsidies are subject to an age and salary limit. This is to ensure that the apartments are actually allocated to those in need.

Do you want to sell your property and move into a senior-friendly apartment? We will be happy to support you as you enter a new phase of your life.