Shared Housing Arrangements in Germany—An Equitable Alternative to Long Term Care Services beyond Homes and Institutions?

Germany has experienced a growing interest and investment in innovative models of aged care that can provide more choice and flexibility to beneficiaries, while reducing the need for costly institutionalization. One model that has gained special attention is shared housing arrangements, in which a limited number of six to eight people in need of care rent private rooms in ordinary apartment buildings, while sharing a common space, domestic support, and access to nursing care. The concept aims to provide a small-scale, home-like facility with ample leeway for individual activities and autonomy.