Wohngemeinschaft für Großeltern finden

Klara Imani (KI) by Klara Imani (KI)
01.01.2025
Wohngemeinschaft für Großeltern finden

What is a Shared Living Community for Seniors?

A shared living community for seniors is a living arrangement where several older people live together in an apartment or house. Each resident has their own room, while the kitchen, bathroom, and living room are shared. This living arrangement allows grandparents to avoid being alone in old age while maintaining their independence.

Unlike a nursing home or care facility, you live largely independently in a shared living community. You can make your own decisions, shape your daily life yourself, and still have the security of having other people nearby. For grandparents who want to be there for their grandchildren, this is an ideal solution: you stay active and independent, but can also count on support when you need it.

Shared living communities for seniors come in various forms. Some are privately organized, others are managed by organizations or associations. Some shared apartments are intergenerational, others are specifically designed for seniors. What they all have in common is that all residents maintain their independence while benefiting from the community.

Definition and Concept

A shared living community for seniors is a living arrangement where several older people live together. Each resident has their own room, while shared spaces such as the kitchen, bathroom, and living room are shared. Residents organize their daily lives largely independently but can count on mutual support.

The concept is based on the principle of community: you are not alone, but you can still lead your own life. Residents share the costs of rent, utilities, and shared expenses. You can cook, shop, or do activities together, but you don't have to. Everyone can have as much community as they want.

Shared living communities for seniors differ from nursing homes or care facilities in that residents are largely independent. There is no round-the-clock care, but residents support each other. If you live in a shared apartment as a grandparent, you can continue to be there for your grandchildren because you remain active and independent.

Benefits for Grandparents

A shared living community offers many benefits for grandparents. You are not alone, but you still have your privacy. You can continue to be there for your grandchildren because you stay active and independent. You have people around you who understand you and with whom you can exchange ideas.

A shared living community can also be financially advantageous. The costs for rent and utilities are shared, which can reduce monthly expenses. At the same time, you have the security that someone is there when you need help, without having to bear the high costs of a nursing home.

For your grandchildren, it is important that you as grandparents stay active and healthy. In a shared living community, you have the opportunity to maintain social contacts, stay active, and maintain your independence at the same time. This means you can continue to be there for your grandchildren in the future and create beautiful memories together.

Why a Shared Living Community Makes Sense for Grandparents

As grandparents, you have an important role in your grandchildren's lives. You are role models, storytellers, and important reference persons. To fulfill this role well in old age, it is important that you stay active, maintain social contacts, and are not alone. A shared living community can help you achieve all of these things.

Your grandchildren benefit when you as grandparents stay active and healthy. If you live in a shared living community, you have the opportunity to maintain social contacts, stay active, and maintain your independence at the same time. This means you can continue to be there for your grandchildren in the future and create beautiful memories together.

A shared living community can also be a good solution if you live alone and sometimes feel lonely. If you have people around you with whom you can exchange ideas, you feel less alone and can maintain your independence at the same time. For your grandchildren, it is important that you as grandparents are happy and satisfied so that you can continue to be there for them in the future.

Togetherness Instead of Loneliness

Loneliness can become a major problem in old age. If you live alone and have few social contacts, this can affect your health and well-being. In a shared living community, you always have people around you with whom you can exchange ideas, cook together, or simply be together.

For your grandchildren, it is important that you as grandparents are not alone. If you are happy and satisfied, you can also be better there for your grandchildren. In a shared living community, you have the opportunity to maintain social contacts and maintain your independence at the same time. This means you can continue to be there for your grandchildren in the future and create beautiful memories together.

Togetherness does not mean you have to give up your privacy. In a shared living community, you have your own room where you can retreat when you need peace. At the same time, you have the opportunity to be with others when you want company. This balance between community and privacy is ideal for many grandparents.

Maintaining Independence

As grandparents, it is important that you maintain your independence. You want to continue to be there for your grandchildren, make your own decisions, and shape your daily life yourself. In a shared living community, you can do all of these things while having the security that other people are nearby.

A shared living community is not a care facility. You live largely independently and can make your own decisions. You can continue to be there for your grandchildren because you stay active and independent. If you need help, you can count on your roommates, but you don't need round-the-clock care.

For your grandchildren, it is important that you as grandparents remain independent. If you live in a shared living community, you show your grandchildren that you are active and take your life into your own hands. This is an important role model for your grandchildren and shows them that you can be independent and active even in old age.

Being There for Grandchildren

As grandparents, you want to be there for your grandchildren. You want to spend time with them, tell them stories, and create important memories. To do this, it is important that you stay active, are healthy, and do not live alone. A shared living community can help you achieve all of these things.

In a shared living community, you have the opportunity to stay active and maintain social contacts. This means you can continue to be there for your grandchildren in the future and create beautiful memories together. If you are happy and satisfied, you can also be better there for your grandchildren and show them how important they are to you.

Your grandchildren benefit when you as grandparents stay active and healthy. If you live in a shared living community, you have the opportunity to maintain social contacts, stay active, and maintain your independence at the same time. This means you can continue to be there for your grandchildren in the future and create beautiful memories together.

Searching for the Right Shared Living Community

Searching for the right shared living community can be a challenge, but with the right approach, you will surely find a shared apartment that suits you. It is important that you take your time, look at various offers, and inform yourself well before making a decision.

Before you start searching, you should think about what is important to you. Do you want to live in a specific area? How important is community to you? What costs can you afford? Once you have answered these questions for yourself, you can search more specifically and find a suitable shared living community faster.

For your grandchildren, it is important that you as grandparents are happy and satisfied. If you find a shared living community that suits you, you can also be better there for your grandchildren and create beautiful memories together. Therefore, take the time to find the right shared apartment and don't let yourself be pressured.

Where to Find Offers?

There are various ways to find offers for shared living communities. Many shared apartments advertise in newspapers, on online portals, or on social media. You can also ask at senior counseling centers, welfare organizations, or housing companies if they know of or can refer shared living communities.

Online portals such as WG-Gesucht or special senior shared apartment portals are a good way to search for shared living communities. Here you can filter by various criteria, such as location, size of the shared apartment, or costs. You can also place an ad yourself if you want to found a shared living community.

Personal contacts can also be helpful. Ask in your circle of acquaintances if anyone knows of a shared living community or if anyone is interested in founding a shared apartment together. Sometimes the best shared living communities arise from friendships or acquaintances that already exist.

What to Consider When Searching

When searching for a shared living community, there are various things you should consider. It is important that the shared apartment suits you: the location, the size, the roommates, and the costs. Take your time to look at various offers and don't let yourself be pressured into making a quick decision.

Make sure the shared living community is easily accessible, especially if you want to visit your grandchildren regularly. The apartment should be barrier-free or at least wheelchair-accessible if you might need support in old age. The roommates should suit you and have similar interests or lifestyles.

For your grandchildren, it is important that you as grandparents live in an environment where you feel comfortable. If you find a shared living community that suits you, you can also be better there for your grandchildren and create beautiful memories together. Therefore, take the time to find the right shared apartment and don't let yourself be pressured.

First Viewing Appointments

If you have found an interesting offer, you should arrange a viewing appointment. During the viewing, you can get an impression of the apartment, the roommates, and the atmosphere in the shared apartment. Take your time, ask questions, and look at everything carefully.

During the viewing, you should pay attention to whether the apartment suits you. Is it large enough? Is it barrier-free? What is the equipment like? What is the location like? The roommates are also important: Do they suit you? Do you have similar interests? Can you imagine living with them?

For your grandchildren, it is important that you as grandparents live in an environment where you feel comfortable. If you have a good feeling during the viewing and can imagine living in the shared apartment, that is a good sign. However, take the time to look at various offers before making a decision.

Financing a Shared Living Community

Financing a shared living community is an important aspect you should consider in your decision. The costs vary depending on the location, size, and equipment of the apartment. It is important that you inform yourself exactly beforehand about what costs will come your way and whether you can afford them.

In a shared living community, the costs for rent, utilities, and shared expenses are divided. This can reduce monthly expenses, but you should still calculate exactly whether you can afford the shared apartment. Also consider possible additional costs such as renovations, furniture, or furnishings.

For your grandchildren, it is important that you as grandparents are financially secure. If you live in a shared living community, you may be able to save costs, but you should still ensure that you have enough money for your needs and for shared activities with your grandchildren. Therefore, plan your finances carefully.

Costs and Additional Expenses

The costs for a shared living community consist of various items. The rent is usually calculated based on the size of the room, while utilities such as electricity, water, heating, and internet are shared. Additionally, costs for shared expenses such as cleaning supplies, toilet paper, or shared activities may arise.

The amount of costs varies depending on the location, size, and equipment of the apartment. In large cities, rents are usually higher than in smaller cities or in the countryside. The size of the room and the equipment of the apartment also influence the costs. Therefore, inform yourself exactly about the costs before making a decision.

For your grandchildren, it is important that you as grandparents are financially secure. If you live in a shared living community, you may be able to save costs, but you should still ensure that you have enough money for your needs and for shared activities with your grandchildren. Therefore, plan your finances carefully and inform yourself about possible grants or subsidies.

Grants and Subsidies

There are various ways to receive financial support for a shared living community. Some municipalities or states offer grants or subsidies for senior shared living communities. Welfare organizations or foundations can also help with financing. Inform yourself at your municipality, at senior counseling centers, or at welfare organizations about possible grants.

If you want to found a shared living community, you may also be able to apply for funding. Some municipalities financially support the founding of senior shared living communities to improve the housing situation for older people. Therefore, inform yourself early about possible grants and submit applications in time.

For your grandchildren, it is important that you as grandparents are financially secure. If you receive financial support for a shared living community, you may be able to save costs and have more money for shared activities with your grandchildren. Therefore, inform yourself about possible grants and use them if they apply to you.

Living Together in the Shared Living Community

Living together in a shared living community requires consideration, communication, and mutual respect. It is important that all residents follow common rules and communicate openly with each other. If you live in a shared apartment as a grandparent, you can show your grandchildren how important community and cooperation are.

In a shared living community, there are various areas that are used together: kitchen, bathroom, living room. It is important that all residents keep these areas clean and show consideration for each other. Common rules and agreements help to avoid conflicts and enable harmonious coexistence.

For your grandchildren, it is important that you as grandparents live in an environment where you feel comfortable. If you live in a shared living community, you can show your grandchildren how important community and cooperation are. This is an important role model for your grandchildren and shows them that you can be active and social even in old age.

Rules and Agreements

In a shared living community, it is important that all residents follow common rules. These rules can concern, for example: quiet hours, cleanliness in shared areas, use of the kitchen or bathroom, visits from guests or pets. Common rules help to avoid conflicts and enable harmonious coexistence.

The rules should be worked out together by all residents and reviewed regularly. It is important that all residents accept and follow the rules. If you live in a shared apartment as a grandparent, you can show your grandchildren how important it is to respect rules and show consideration for others.

For your grandchildren, it is important that you as grandparents live in an environment where you feel comfortable. If you live in a shared living community, you can show your grandchildren how important community and cooperation are. This is an important role model for your grandchildren and shows them that you can be active and social even in old age.

Shared Activities

In a shared living community, you can do various activities together with your roommates. You can cook together, go shopping, go for walks, or make shared trips. Shared activities strengthen the sense of community and help to get to know each other better.

However, shared activities are not mandatory. Each resident can decide for themselves whether and how much they want to participate in shared activities. It is important that all residents respect when someone prefers to be alone or has other plans.

For your grandchildren, it is important that you as grandparents stay active and maintain social contacts. If you live in a shared living community and do activities together with your roommates, you can show your grandchildren how important community and cooperation are. This is an important role model for your grandchildren and shows them that you can be active and social even in old age.

Resolving Conflicts

In a shared living community, conflicts can occasionally arise. It is important that all residents communicate openly with each other and address conflicts early before they escalate. Shared conversations, compromises, and mutual respect help to resolve conflicts.

If you live in a shared apartment as a grandparent and experience conflicts, you can show your grandchildren how important it is to address problems and find solutions together. This is an important role model for your grandchildren and shows them that you can be active and social even in old age.

For your grandchildren, it is important that you as grandparents live in an environment where you feel comfortable. If you live in a shared living community and learn to resolve conflicts constructively, you can show your grandchildren how important communication and cooperation are. This is an important role model for your grandchildren.

Founding a Shared Living Community

If you cannot find a suitable shared living community, you can also found one yourself. For this, you need partners who have similar ideas as you and a suitable apartment or house. Founding a shared living community requires planning, organization, and legal knowledge, but it can also be very enriching.

If you found a shared living community as a grandparent, you can design the shared apartment according to your own ideas. You can set rules that suit you and choose roommates with whom you get along well. This gives you the opportunity to create a shared apartment that exactly suits you.

For your grandchildren, it is important that you as grandparents stay active and take your life into your own hands. If you found a shared living community, you show your grandchildren that you are active even in old age and can take on new projects. This is an important role model for your grandchildren and shows them that you can be independent and active even in old age.

Finding Partners

If you want to found a shared living community, you need partners who have similar ideas as you. You can ask in your circle of acquaintances if anyone is interested in founding a shared apartment together. Online portals or senior counseling centers can also help find partners.

It is important that all partners have similar ideas about the shared apartment: the location, the size, the costs, the rules. Take your time to talk to potential partners and find out if you fit together. A shared living community only works if all residents have similar ideas and get along well with each other.

For your grandchildren, it is important that you as grandparents stay active and take your life into your own hands. If you found a shared living community and find partners, you show your grandchildren that you are active even in old age and can take on new projects. This is an important role model for your grandchildren.

Legal Aspects

If you found a shared living community, there are various legal aspects you should consider. Important, for example, is a rental agreement that regulates the rights and obligations of all residents. The division of costs, the use of shared areas, and the regulation of conflicts should also be recorded in writing.

It can be useful to consult a lawyer or counseling center to ensure that all legal aspects are correctly regulated. Liability insurance for the shared apartment can also be useful to protect yourself against possible damage.

For your grandchildren, it is important that you as grandparents are financially and legally secure. If you found a shared living community and correctly regulate all legal aspects, you can ensure that you are well secured in the future. This gives you and your grandchildren security.

Practical Tips for Getting Started

If you have decided on a shared living community, there are various things you should consider when starting. It is important that you take your time to settle in and get to know the other residents. Participate in shared activities, but also respect when others prefer to be alone.

For your grandchildren, it is important that you as grandparents are happy and satisfied. If you live in a shared living community and feel comfortable, you can also be better there for your grandchildren and create beautiful memories together. Therefore, take the time to settle in and make the shared apartment your home.

A shared living community can be a wonderful opportunity to avoid being alone in old age while maintaining your independence. If you live in a shared apartment as a grandparent, you can show your grandchildren how important community and cooperation are. This is an important role model for your grandchildren and shows them that you can be active and social even in old age.

Cost Comparison: Shared Living Community vs. Single Apartment

Cost Item
Shared Living Community
Single Apartment
Rent (per month)
Shared by room size
Full rent
Utilities
Shared by all residents
Borne alone
Shared Expenses
Shared by all residents
Not applicable
Total Costs (approx.)
300-600 Euros
600-1200 Euros

Different Forms of Shared Living Communities

Form
Description
Benefits
Private Shared Apartment
Self-organized shared apartment
High independence
Supervised Shared Apartment
Shared apartment with supervision
Support available
Intergenerational
Shared apartment with different age groups
Diverse contacts
Senior Shared Apartment
Shared apartment only for seniors
Same life situation

Checklist for Searching for a Shared Living Community

Point
What to Consider
Important
Location
Accessibility for grandchildren
Very important
Barrier-free
Wheelchair accessible if needed
Important
Roommates
Do you fit together
Very important
Costs
Can you afford it
Very important
Rules
Are the rules clear
Important

Tips for Searching for a Shared Living Community

  • Take your time for the search and don't let yourself be pressured
  • Look at various offers before making a decision
  • Make sure the shared apartment is easily accessible, especially for visits to grandchildren
  • Inform yourself exactly about the costs and utilities
  • Ask many questions during viewings and look at everything carefully
  • Make sure the roommates suit you

Benefits of a Shared Living Community for Grandparents

  • You are not alone, but you still have your privacy
  • You can continue to be there for your grandchildren because you stay active
  • The costs are shared, which can reduce monthly expenses
  • You have people around you who understand you and with whom you can exchange ideas
  • You can maintain your independence and still count on support
  • Shared activities strengthen the sense of community

Important Rules for Living Together in a Shared Living Community

  • Observe quiet hours so all residents can rest
  • Keep shared areas clean and show consideration for each other
  • Communicate openly with each other and address conflicts early
  • Announce visits from guests or grandchildren in advance
  • Fairly divide shared expenses and account transparently
  • Respect when someone prefers to be alone

Symbol for Shared Living Community

Community and Cooperation

Intergenerational Community