What exactly is age-appropriate living?
Austria’s population is ageing, which means that one topic is becoming increasingly important: age-appropriate living. If you want to live independently and comfortably in your own home in old age, there are a few things you should bear in mind when planning conversions or looking for a new property in Salzburg.
What is the difference between age-appropriate properties and barrier-free properties?
Many people use the terms interchangeably, but there are formal differences that both those who want to have a property converted and those who are looking for a property for the elderly need to bear in mind. According to the ÖNORMEN, or more precisely the B 1600 standard, there are statutory regulations that define “barrier-free building and living”. Among other things, this includes certain movement areas for people with physical disabilities or the width of doors and paths.
Age-appropriate properties, also referred to as “barrier-free” properties, are often designed in a similar way – with low thresholds and obstacles, sufficient space for movement and wide corridors or doors to allow unhindered movement with walking aids, for example. However, age-appropriate apartments do not have to adhere to the legal requirements.
What are sensible measures for age-appropriate living?
With limited mobility, many places in your own home become a challenge – and in the worst case: a danger zone. In particular, narrow spaces such as corridors or the bathroom with little space to move around, many obstacles (e.g. bathtub, shower tray edge) and slippery floors cause headaches for older residents.
Age-appropriate conversion measures include
- Removal of thresholds and obstacles, e.g. at doors, transitions, in showers and bathtubs
- Installation of handrails on stairs and steps, in wet areas to help people stand up
- Installation of kitchen cabinets, shelves, etc. that are easily accessible at height (without steps)
- Installation of non-slip floor coverings and removal of non-solid floor coverings, such as carpet runners
- Installation of easily accessible sockets and light switches (e.g. also from the bed)
- High-contrast design of the living space to make it easier to recognize transitions or see better in poor lighting conditions
- Installation of easy-to-open windows and interior or balcony doors
It is difficult to make a general estimate of the cost of such a conversion. It always depends on the property in question and in particular on the needs of the residents as to which measures are sensible or necessary.
Advice on age-appropriate living in Salzburg
Most people probably want a self-determined, safe life in their own home. Ideally, you should consider early on how your own property can be converted accordingly. This has two decisive advantages: you would not have to act in the event of an emergency such as an illness or accident, and you can reduce the risk of falls and accidents in the home by creating an age-appropriate living environment.
But what is the best option: converting the property or looking for a new home? Our real estate experts at BAMBERGER IMMOBILIEN specialize in “age-appropriate living” and can advise you specifically on your current living situation. Clarify all your questions with our experts: What measures make sense for you? What costs will you incur? Is it smarter to sell and move? How can I find a new, age-appropriate apartment? Your concerns and wishes are in good hands with us. We look forward to hearing from you!