Age-appropriate living: What you should consider when choosing your new 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, you may be happier with them at 70, when the stairs become fewer and the supermarket is just round the corner. But what really matters when it comes to age-appropriate living? We explain what you should look out for in terms of furnishings and surroundings.
A new home that fits: The right flat layout
If the detached house becomes too big and the garden too high-maintenance, moving to a holiday home is a good option. Flat suitable for senior citizens often the best solution. Many senior citizens want fewer rooms in their new home and everything on one level. However, fewer rooms does not mean that they should be small and cramped. A spacious floor plan offers the necessary freedom for comfort and mobility, even in old age.
When choosing your new home, you should also think about the future: narrow corridors, high doorsteps or steep stairs may not be a problem now, but in a few years' time they could restrict your freedom of movement. That's why you should definitely Accessibility pay attention:
- Wide door frames for wheelchairs or walking aids
- Level floors without steps or thresholds
- Level-access showers and non-slip surfaces in the bathroom
- Windows that are easy to open
- Heating with simple temperature regulation
The right environment: infrastructure is the be-all and end-all
A secluded retirement home in the countryside sounds romantic, but can quickly become a challenge in reality. One Good infrastructure is indispensable in old age. Make sure that the following points are met:
- Shopping facilities and pharmacies within walking distance
- Doctors, specialist practices and hospitals within easy reach
- Connection to local public transport
Every minute often counts, especially in an emergency. If the ambulance has to come from the nearest larger town, this can be life-threatening. For additional safety, the installation of a Emergency call button in your home, which can be used to alert the emergency services directly.
Accessibility: lift instead of ground floor
A flat on the ground floor is practical, but not essential. A lift also makes higher floors easily accessible. Ideally, make sure that the building is Two lifts This leaves an option available should one fail. In addition, a ramp should be added to small staircases at the entrance to the house to facilitate access for wheelchairs and walking aids.
Advantages of senior flats
Those who opt for a Residential complex suitable for senior citizens often has fewer worries. All important aspects such as accessibility, safety and good fixtures and fittings are already taken into account here. Senior housing is freely financed or state-subsidised. In the case of state-subsidised housing, certain income and age limits often apply in order to provide targeted support for those in need.
Get non-binding advice now
Robert Schüßler
Property valuer (EIA and IHK)
Photo: Example image
