Living and caring: Different living situations for needs-based care

Since a need for care often progresses in old age and very intensive care and support may be required for a certain period of time, it makes sense to clarify the existing options for organising living arrangements in good time. Because planning and acting with foresight is necessary in home care in order to be able to meet as many challenges as possible.

Relatives are often faced with the important question of which living situation is best for them and their loved ones in need of care. The design of the living space plays a central role in the well-being and quality of care of the persons concerned. It can be decisive in determining the extent to which care can be managed alone, or whether - and to what extent - care services or other care facilities need to be called in for support.

The choice of a suitable living situation can be decisive for the quality of life of all involved. Family caregivers bear an immense responsibility and face many challenges in their daily care. The needs of both the person in need of care and the caring relatives must be taken into account in equal measure. The correctly chosen living arrangement forms a solid basis for efficiently organising the daily care routine and at the same time providing an atmosphere of well-being and the necessary closeness and distance. 

In this article we will look at three different living situations:

- Living in separate flats or houses with different spatial distances.

- Living in a house community with separate households/flats.

- Living in a house or flat with only one household.

Each arrangement offers specific advantages and also poses challenges that need to be overcome. At this point I would like to emphasise that none of these arrangements can be seen as a panacea. Each care situation, life situation as well as personal resources are unique and need to be assessed individually. 

With this article, I would like to create an informative basis to help you choose the appropriate housing concept for your personal care and life situation. The living situation should not only meet practical requirements, but also provide space for security, relaxation and joy. Because care that meets your needs is not only a question of expertise and organisation, but also an expression of love, care and a very special interpersonal connection.

Separate apartments/ houses 

The first living arrangement we look at here is the variant where the person in need of care and the family carers live separately. The dwellings can be either within walking distance or accessible by car, in the same city/town or in different cities/towns. The spatial distance of the living units plays an important role here in how intensively and comprehensively personal care can be guaranteed.

 

 

Advantages of this living situation 

1. privacy: the person in need of care retains their own privacy and independence within their own familiar four walls.

2. spatial distance: the separation of residences enables caring relatives to have a spatial distance and to find a certain balance between caring tasks and personal needs.

3. relief: family carers can consciously distance themselves from the care situation, which in some cases can lead to increased relief and better stress management.

Challenges and possible solutions

1. availability: the separate places of residence make it difficult to react spontaneously to a surprise need for help. For emergencies, a home emergency call system can be helpful and provide additional security. Regular telephone calls ensure better communication in order to be able to react in time to changing needs and requirements. Contact with immediate neighbours can also provide readiness for support.

2. Organisation: Clear organisation and planning of care tasks are essential to ensure that the needs of the person in need of care are adequately met. Here, it can be helpful to agree on fixed times for visits or care services and to create a well-structured and reliable care plan.

3. Emotional challenges: Physical separation can lead to emotional challenges, as relatives may feel they cannot be there enough for their loved one. Some risk of not being present to provide necessary assistance in the event of an emergency must be borne. This can be distressing at times. Open conversations about feelings and needs can help to overcome these challenges. A home emergency call system, but also supplementary care by an outpatient service can be very useful here.

This living arrangement is not the optimal solution for everyone, as it requires a high degree of independence and autonomy on the part of the person in need of care. However, it can be a valuable option if the person in need of care wants to maintain their independence and the relatives need some relief in terms of everyday care. It requires a high level of communication and organisation, but with mutual support and understanding, the challenges can be successfully overcome.

In the case of progressive need for care and/ or cognitive decline and disorientation (such as in dementia), the necessary care and security can often no longer be guaranteed in this form of housing. Other living arrangements must therefore be considered, discussed and possibly realised in good time.

Living in a house community in the case of separate households 

Another way of arranging home care is for the person in need of care and the family carers to live in separate flats but within a house community. This living arrangement can take different forms, for example, when the person in need of care and their relatives live in an apartment building or occupy separate flats in a larger housing complex.

 

 

Advantages of this living situation 

1. proximity: Being close to each other allows for a quicker response time in case of emergencies or acute situations.

2. distance: due to the separate households, the independence and self-determination of the person in need of care and the caring relatives can be maintained as far as possible.

3. security: as a caring relative, it can be very reassuring to be available as quickly as possible in an emergency. This way, it is possible to spontaneously check on things if one does not feel completely safe or if one gets a "worrying" feeling.

Challenges and possible solutions

1. agreements: In a house community it is important to make clear agreements to ensure togetherness and mutual consideration.

2. privacy: The proximity of the flats can occasionally affect privacy. It is advisable that both the person in need of care and the relatives have places of retreat to preserve their individual needs. Although it is possible to react quickly to a change in the need for help, this closeness can also lead to a premature claiming and overstraining of the willingness to help.

3. Conflicts: Different needs and opinions in a house community can lead to conflicts. Open communication and respectful interaction are of great importance here, as is the ability to be clear about one's own boundaries and to enforce them.

4. personal overload: This form of housing does not mean that one can get by without a care service or other service providers in every case. In order to avoid overburdening and endangering the health of the carers, appropriate help should always be sought in good time.

Living in a house community with separate households can be a good way to find a balance between closeness and distance. Clear agreements and mutual consideration can create a harmonious living situation. In the next section we will take a closer look at living together in only one household. 

Shared apartment/household

Another living arrangement that is frequently found in home care is that the person in need of care and the caring relatives share a flat or a household. In this close living situation, they live together under one roof and organise their everyday life together.

 

 

Advantages of this living situation

1. close bond: By living together, caring relatives and the person in need of care often develop a particularly close and familiar relationship with each other.

2. most intensive support: If a need for care is progressing and comprehensive care, supervision and support is required, this form of living can be most beneficial.  Living together allows for more intensive and continuous care and support in everyday life, which can be of great value to both parties.

3. cost saving: sharing living space and household costs can relieve the financial burden.

Challenges and possible solutions

1. setting boundaries: Shared living can lead to permanent availability, making it important to set clear boundaries and also be aware of individual needs and freedoms. As a caring relative, it is of particular importance to pay attention to sufficient self-care.

2. Personal space: For a successful living situation, it is important that both the carer and the person in need of care have time for themselves and can pursue their own interests. In order to provide adequate recreation periods and to create space for privacy, it can be helpful to use support from outpatient services or other care facilities. A regular visit of the care recipient to a day care facility also often helps to create more privacy for the family caregiver.

3. division of roles: In a shared household, roles and tasks should be clearly divided to create a balanced care and living situation.

Living together under one roof can be a very intimate and supportive form of care. The close bond and the shared everyday life can be a great enrichment. However, in order to maintain individual space and find a balance, it is essential to set clear boundaries and allow personal space.

Decision-making and individuality

When choosing the appropriate living arrangement in home care, there is no universal "right" or "wrong" model. Each situation is unique and should be considered individually. It is crucial that the needs, preferences and possibilities of all parties involved are taken into account.

Importance of individual needs

It is essential that both the person in need of care and the family carers express their own needs and wishes and that these are taken into account in the decision-making process. Factors such as state of health, personal preferences and also the spatial conditions play a decisive role.

Consideration of possibilities and resources

The practical implementation of the different living arrangements also depends on the available resources. In addition to personal needs, the financial situation, the already existing housing situation and possibly existing support from outside (e.g. neighbourhood, relatives) should also be included.

Role of communication and compromise

Communication between the participants is essential to openly talk about wishes, concerns and possibilities. An open exchange makes it possible to find solutions together and to make compromises that are acceptable to all. Especially when finding compromises, a high degree of patience is essential. For this very reason, this issue should be discussed and thought through in good time.

The choice of living arrangements is an important decision that may also determine the extent to which care at home is actually possible or whether a move to a nursing home may become necessary as the need for care progresses.   By taking individual needs, preferences and possibilities into account and by open communication, a suitable and needs-based housing model can be found.

Conclusion

The choice of living arrangement should be based on open communication and finding compromises to find the best possible solution for all. It is important to recognise that needs may change over time and the housing situation should be adapted if necessary to meet changing circumstances.

Overall, it can be said that care that meets needs is possible in different living situations. Every family and every care situation is unique, so there is no universal recipe for the ideal living arrangement. It is crucial to consider individual circumstances and create a living situation that provides a sense of safety, security and well-being.

By understanding the different options and consciously choosing the appropriate living concept, you can make a significant contribution to ensuring that you, as a carer, and the person in need of care can experience a harmonious and fulfilling quality of life together.