Luxury or ghetto? Neu-Ulm's retirement home causes controversy!

Luxury or ghetto? Neu-Ulm's retirement home causes controversy!

A new retirement home is opening in Neu-Ulm that is attracting attention - and not just because of its luxurious furnishings. Managing director Kip Sloane explains that the facility is intended to offer more than just a roof over your head. With gilded mirrors, floor-to-ceiling windows and a restaurant with a rooftop terrace, the aim here is to live old age in the style of a “beautifully run hotel”. But is the living concept really suitable for everyone? Critics see it as a “ghetto of the old rich” and question whether it contributes to solving the nursing shortage.

Sloane, on the other hand, is convinced that the offer is not just reserved for wealthy seniors. According to Schwäbische, middle class and active senior citizens should also feel comfortable here. The rental prices range between 2,000 and 4,300 euros, depending on the room size of 53 to 94 square meters. This price range is sometimes even cheap compared to other urban residential areas, especially when you consider the amenities on offer.

A new home with lots of design

The dorm should not just be a place to live, but a meeting place for the community. Residents can take part in a variety of activities - from lectures and readings to fashion shows and music evenings. Karin Helgert, 81, is one of the first tenants to move into the facility after selling her large house and reports that she feels completely comfortable.

What is particularly noteworthy is that the facility is also suitable for people with a high care level of 4 or 5, which means that long-term care insurance supports the residents. This is an important aspect because many seniors prefer to move into the facility before they actually need care in order to avoid loneliness. This shows that the needs of those affected are taken seriously here.

The concept of premium living

The landscape of premium living for seniors is becoming increasingly diverse, as Pflege-Panorama describes. Here you will find exclusive apartments and luxurious residences that are tailored to the different needs of seniors. The facilities range from barrier-free apartments to extensive services such as concierge service and community facilities that promote an active life in old age.

Prices vary greatly: they start at around 2,500 euros for exclusive senior apartments and can reach up to 6,000 euros in luxurious residences. Even with greater care needs, seniors often find the right solution in such facilities, as care services can be booked flexibly.

With the new living concept, Kip Sloane would like to initiate a discussion about life in old age and leave the often bad reputation of many retirement homes behind. He even calls for care reform and is convinced that a better offer is possible if people are prepared to pay more for the quality of their housing in old age. With seven existing locations and the vision of expanding to 30 major cities in Germany over the next ten years, the “Schönes Leben” company has big plans.

It remains to be seen whether the new living concept can really contribute to improving the quality of life of seniors. One thing is certain, however: projects like this will revitalize the discussion about living in old age.

For further information on premium living for seniors, take a look at premiumwohnenimalter.de.