Apartments for Life: A Dutch Senior Housing Innovation

In the Netherlands, Apartments for Life are available to individuals over the age of 55, and residents typically enter these apartments while still independent. What makes these residences unique is that when individuals require assisted living or nursing care, such care is brought to them. The housing is designed to allow the resident to remain in the same apartment until death, for true aging in place. The “age-proof dwellings” can accommodate patient lift equipment, oxygen, and wheelchairs as needed. They also include modifiable components, such as sinks that can be raised or lowered as needed. For the most part, only in cases of dementia do residents eventually need to move. In some instances, these individuals are relocated to clusters of units designed to accommodate individuals with dementia. The philosophy behind this approach is a belief that older adults want to remain independent and involved in society as much as possible, and want to avoid the stigma and other associated issues related to relocation. The Apartments for Life philosophy incorporates four key values: The first is autonomy, allowing individuals to remain bosses of their own lives. Second is the value of “use it or lose it,” which in this case reflects a Dutch philosophy of personal strength, which “views the over-provision of care as more damaging than the under-provision.” As a result of this philosophy, older adults are challenged to do as much as they can for themselves. Third is the value of embracing a “yes culture” that promotes the idea that older adults should be given the freedom to enjoy simple pleasures as well as challenges and stimulation—even if it means sleeping until noon or drinking at a bar. The fourth value endorsed by this approach is a family-centered approach to caregiving.