Accessible housing - use any renovation_

There is hardly anything more beautiful than your own home. And so every renovation is an investment: on the one hand, it contributes to increasing the value of the property (if it is owned), and on the other, it increases your own living comfort. But think a little further: You can already ensure that you can live independently within your own four walls for as long as possible by taking measures that enable barrier-free living. This is a very special kind of retirement provision.

A sustainably good feeling

Self-dependent is an incredibly valuable asset that is often taken so much for granted that it is easy to lose sight of it. But we would like to draw your attention to it. What can you do today to ensure that you can remain independent in your own four walls for as long as possible in the future?

Whenever you renovate, think today about what measures you can take to make your home fit for the future.


For example, it's about creating freedom of movement. And this also applies when a rollator or wheelchair is used. Not only in this case, every small step or threshold can become an insurmountable obstacle. It is therefore worthwhile to think specifically about this at an early stage of any renovation or conversion and to make provision for such problems in the future.

Measures for accessible living

You renovate? Very good! Thinking about later, how can you increase comfort along the way so that you and your loved ones are better off as you get older? 

  • The bathroom is a room that is used very often, quite regardless of age. Here, for example, a floor-level shower is relatively easy to implement. This is modern anyway and looks very good.
  • Walls can also be reinforced in the bathroom, especially where the toilet and bathtub or shower are located. This makes it easy to install grab bars later.
  • Especially in the bathroom and staircase area, but also throughout the rest of the living space, non-slip flooring will be worth its weight in gold later.
  • Depending on the conversion, a door spread is not so costly anymore. 
  • A ramp in the entrance area may already help you when old age is still a long way off.

Smarter Home as an assistant in everyday life

But when it comes to barrier-free living, in addition to the obvious, such as the removal of steps and thresholds in the floor area, there are other smart helpers that can make your life easier in old age. The use of intelligent home technology can be particularly helpful here. The next time you renovate, don't forget to take this into account.

  • Movement detectors make light without having to use a switch.
  • Blinds are controlled with a fingertip.
  • Light can be regulated from the comfort of the sofa.
  • Warning detectors reliably sound the alarm.
  • Modern door communication with video ensures security and convenience.
  • Heating and entertainment electronics are controlled with maximum simplicity and ease.
  • But even completely mechanical operating elements can be very intelligent and helpful, e.g. the service socket, which makes it very easy to disconnect the plug.
A wide range of subsidies

Your commitment to equip yourself for old age is strongly supported. Here are a few places to start:

  • The nursing care insurance fund provides subsidies for ramps, door widenings, even stair lifts, keyword "measures to improve the living environment".
  • The health insurance fund helps finance aids such as bathtub lifts and grab bars.
  • There are state subsidy programs for barrier-free living (although these are income-dependent).
  • Finally, there are also KfW programs with low-interest loans for age-appropriate construction.