If you are over 60 and in good health, you can spend your retirement in a residence suited to your needs.

-

IStock / City Presse

Benefiting from a living environment in line with one's age and while preserving one's autonomy, this is the promise put forward by the residences for seniors, which are popping up everywhere.

However, two types of structures must be distinguished: independent residences (former home-housing) and assisted living residences.

If their services are similar, their operation varies dramatically.

Different services

These real estate complexes dedicated to the elderly indicate that they offer a secure environment, adapted to reduced mobility (lift, shower seat, warning device, etc.), and including services that make life easier for residents without depriving them of their freedom.

In particular, there is a hotel offer including catering, cleaning, laundry service and reception, as well as recreational activities.

Composed of independent apartments of varying sizes, these non-medical residences are in all cases intended for autonomous or semi-autonomous people over the age of 60, in other words with a degree of dependency corresponding to a GIR 5 or 6 level, or even GIR 4 for independent residences that work with a health center.

A moderate rent

The Autonomous Residence is a medico-social establishment aimed more at people with limited income.

Managed by a public structure, most often a communal social action center (CCAS), it offers private apartments for rent ranging from studios to two-room apartments but rarely beyond, all for a moderate rent.

The departmental council must issue an authorization to open an independent residence and carry out regular checks on the quality of services, a minimum number of which is imposed by a decree of 2016. In addition to the range of services mentioned above, there is also the obligation of collective or individual actions to prevent loss of autonomy.

They consist, for example, of workshops on the prevention of falls, on nutrition or even on memory.

On the cost side, the price of accommodation (rent + rental charges, excluding optional services) can vary from around 500 euros for a T1 to more than 1,000 euros per month depending on the residence.

Subject to resources, residents can reduce the bill thanks to the personalized autonomy allowance (APA), social housing assistance (ASH) and housing assistance.

The official site Pour-les-personnes-agees.gouv.fr lists the monthly prices in a dedicated directory.

A residents' council

Conversely, serviced residences are managed by private commercial or association structures.

There are apartments that range this time from studios to three-room apartments and more, and which are available for rent or purchase.

When it comes to a condominium, owners can occupy their property or rent it.

Most often built in the city center, near public transport and small shops, these luxury residences include basic collective services, as well as others billed à la carte according to the use made by the resident. .

Since 2015, these structures must also set up a residents' council, so that the occupants participate in decisions relating to the management of services.

Regarding the budget, the rent of a studio can vary from 900 to 2,000 euros depending on the more or less upscale positioning of the residence.

Economy

What are the advantages and disadvantages of the life annuity sale?

Economy

Retirement home: What rates and what aids?

  • Retirement

  • Rent

  • Health

  • Senior

  • Housing

  • Rental