Luxury in old age: Exclusive retirement home or ghetto for the rich?

Luxury in old age: Exclusive retirement home or ghetto for the rich?

In a new retirement home in Neu-Ulm, managing director Kip Sloane has developed a concept that stands out clearly from conventional retirement homes. The focus here is on “exclusive service living” and not the clichéd “retirement home”. The offer, which is described as such by the house manager Petra Schwandt, attracts not only rich clientele but also the middle class. The residence boasts luxurious furnishings, including gold-plated mirrors, floor-to-ceiling windows and diverse common areas that enhance the seniors' stay. Schwäbische reports that ...

The rental prices for the senior apartments range between 2,000 and 4,300 euros per month, depending on the size of the rooms, which vary between 53 and 94 square meters. While the prices may seem high, Sloane emphasizes that the establishment is not exclusively reserved for millionaires. Especially people who want to take the step into a community life before they need care will find a soothing break from loneliness here.

Diverse offer

The dormitory not only offers a roof over your head, but also a wide range of leisure activities. Residents can take part in various activities, such as lectures, readings, fashion shows or sports courses. Sloane goes one step further: He wants to take life in old age out of the taboo zone and urgently calls for reforms in the care sector to improve the quality of life of older people.

A practical example is resident Karin Helgert, who moved into the facility after selling her house and has felt comfortable ever since. She has a room that is perfectly tailored to her needs and can fully enjoy the community offerings.

Sustainable solutions for a better life in old age

Sustainability plays a big role when it comes to senior living. The facility in Neu-Ulm plans to create neighborhood centers with public restaurants and neighborhood events. This should not only promote social cohesion, but also provide a contact point for all generations. The concept aims to focus on the well-being of seniors and to enable active participation in life through a pleasant living environment. Premiumwohnen imalter explains that…

Nowadays, when premium living for seniors is very popular, there are many different models. The luxurious senior residences offer high standards of living with every comfort - from concierge services to individual care concepts for seniors with greater support needs. The price range typically ranges from 3,500 to 6,000 euros per month, although some locations in major German cities can be even higher. Pflege Panorama highlights that...

“Schönes Leben”, the sponsor of the new retirement home, currently has seven locations and has ambitious plans: in the next ten years, 30 large cities in Germany will benefit from this form of living. The vision is clear: to offer a good life in old age that goes far beyond the limits of a traditional retirement home.