Age-appropriate living: Thinking about tomorrow today

After all, the life expectancy of the population in Germany is rising steadily. To ensure that around 2.9 million barrier-free apartments exist by 2030, it is necessary to take the appropriate measures now.

The following article shows how apartments can be made age-appropriate, for example by using TS Treppenlifte. Also explained is how the respective conversion measures can be financed.

The importance of barrier-free living

To ensure that a high degree of self-determination can be maintained even in the advanced stages of life, a home that is suitable for the elderly is of great importance. Around 17 million of the people in Germany today are already over 65 years old. By 2030, this number will increase by another 33 percent. This means that the demand for housing suitable for the elderly is nowhere near being met in the Federal Republic. Today, only 700,000 barrier-free living spaces are available. 3.6 million will be needed in 2030.

Those who own their own home can, of course, make it age-appropriate on their own. Property owners of any age have this opportunity. Appropriate conversion measures ensure that older people remain independent and can stay in their familiar surroundings for as long as possible.

However, it is even more advisable to take age-appropriate living into account when planning a new building. In principle, this is even cheaper than making adjustments at a later date. In addition, houses and apartments that are barrier-free are also attractive to the younger target group. After all, bathrooms and hallways can be planned more generously, and wider doors let in more light. Tripping hazards due to steps and thresholds are also not a problem.

Barrier-free living: The DIN specifications

The DIN standard 18040-2 has been in force since 2011 and states the minimum standards that barrier-free buildings must meet. Thus, the goal is that living spaces can be used by all people without restrictions. In the renewal of the previous DIN standard, sensory requirements in particular are given greater consideration. The scope of the DIN standard covers residential buildings, apartments and the corresponding outdoor facilities.

The respective specifications play a role, for example, for modernizers who want to implement barrier-free living with a riester-subsidized building savings contract. Half of the investment sum must then be spent on measures that follow the specifications of the current DIN standard.

How are the age-appropriate conversion measures financed?

Of course, some of the costs associated with age-appropriate modernization are considerable. Such a conversion can be financed without problems, for example, if a corresponding building savings contract is available. In this way, it is also possible for tenants to adapt the apartment - however, this requires the explicit consent of the landlord.

In addition, some municipalities and cities also offer comprehensive subsidy programs to realize the age-appropriate adaptation of the living space. These can take the form of particularly attractive loans, for example, or even a complete assumption of the costs.

Interested parties can obtain the necessary information from the senior citizens' representatives in the municipalities and from the social welfare or housing offices. Age-appropriate conversions are also subsidized by the German government. This grants loans via the Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (Reconstruction Loan Corporation) at exceptionally favorable repayment and interest rates. Before the beginning of the appropriate measures an appropriate request must be placed for it over the bank.

These conversion measures are important

Regardless of whether it's the entrance area, bathroom, bedroom or kitchen - barrier-free living must be thoroughly planned and thought through. Some remodeling measures are indispensable.

The entrance area

When planning a new building, a threshold-free entrance area should be considered. Thus a subsequent acquisition of a lift or a ramp is not necessary. Ramps should generally not have too steep a slope, otherwise they can hardly be managed with a wheelchair alone. Lifting devices can cost between 5,000 and 12,000 euros, ramps around 5,500 euros.

In addition, the width of the entrance door should be at least 90 centimeters, room doors, on the other hand, get by with a width of about 80 centimeters. There should also be enough space in the hallway to be able to change walking aids without any problems.

The kitchen

Often, some adaptations are also necessary in the kitchen in order to be able to work in it independently. To make cooking possible for wheelchair users, for example, the work surface should be accessible at the appropriate height. Ovens ideally have pull-out trays and swiveling doors. In general, it is advisable to choose elevated positions for electrical appliances.

Apothecary cabinets that can be pulled out are also a good choice. Wall cabinets that have an automatic soft close feature are also practical.

The bathroom

Limited freedom of movement quickly becomes a problem, especially in the bathroom. A floor-level shower should therefore be planned so that there is sufficient space, for example, to access it with a wheelchair. A level shower can already be realized at prices starting at 1,200 euros.

If the bathtub is also to be used at an advanced age, it is worth installing a lifting seat. If the bathtub has a door, entry and exit can also be made considerably easier. Faucets that have swivel levers are the right choice for the sink, shower and bathtub.

With regard to the toilet, it is important that the feet reach the floor without any problems. A seat height of between 46 and 48 centimeters is ideal for this. DIN 18040-2 stipulates that there should be 30 centimeters of space to the side of the toilet, and a minimum distance of 90 centimeters to the other side. This means that wheelchair users can also use the toilet. Grab bars should also be fitted and sensibly positioned. Slip-resistant tiles also reduce the risk of slipping in the damp bathroom.

The bedroom

In the bedroom, the most important thing is a suitable bed height so that seniors can go to bed and get up independently. The comfort height is around 50 centimeters, box spring beds are usually as high as 70 centimeters. There should also be sufficient space to the sides, especially if the bedroom is used by wheelchair users. Caregivers thus also have sufficient space available. If people frequently get up during the night, a light switch should be located directly near the bed.

The outdoor area

With regard to the outdoor area, there should also be no steps in the entrance area. Paths are ideally at least 1.20 meters wide. In addition, doors of sufficient size must also be planned. A sliding patio door that does not require a threshold is available for prices starting at around 6,200 euros.