As residents age, their house or flat usually becomes old and uncomfortable. If there are also major repairs to be done or the heating system needs to be replaced, it is either time for a conversion or a move. Take your time to decide which solution is best for you.
According to an empirica study, senior citizen households in Germany currently meet on average only half of eleven possible criteria for accessibility. These include step-free access to the house as well as to all rooms, sufficient movement space in the kitchen and bathroom, increased passage width of doors and hallways, a floor without unevenness as well as a floor-level shower.
The need for action will continue to increase in the future: Many Germans today reach their 85th or even 90th birthday thanks to good health care and improved living and working conditions. Already today, every fourth German is 65 years and older. In 2050, one in nine will be older than 80. At present, however, only 1.5 percent of all dwellings are barrier-free.
The Federal Government supports conversion measures with the KfW programme "Age-appropriate Conversion - Investment Grant", also in combination with other conversion measures - for example, energy-efficient refurbishment or burglary protection measures, which are also funded. Private owners and tenants - regardless of income and age - can apply for subsidies to remove barriers in residential buildings.
Even small conversion measures can lead to great relief, for example the installation of age-appropriate sanitary objects. Uniform standards apply for the state subsidy, which offer sufficient scope for design depending on the type of property and individual needs.
Those who no longer want to be forced to rebuild in old age also have other options as property owners. Selling the old property is an extremely attractive alternative, especially at the present time, and makes it possible to move into a more comfortable new flat in a good location.
(Photo: © Barry D., Pixabay)
