Care in alternative forms of living

If you are struggling to manage life at home or you experience loneliness, moving to a new form of housing can be a good alternative. There are several options available to anyone who wants to live independently but not alone in old age: for example, retirement homes, assisted living, shared apartments and houses or intergenerational living.

Below you will find brief descriptions of some of the options for care in alternative forms of living. You can search for the individual terms by using the information service of the Ministry of Social Affairs use. For example, enter the term "betreutes Wohnen" in the search field if you are looking for assisted living options. You will then see a list of corresponding results. You also have the option of filtering: for example, to find offers in your area, select your federal province. Click on the following link and start the search:

Information service of the Ministry of Social Affairs

Alternative forms of housing

Sheltered housing for senior citizens
This option offers a barrier-free apartment within a subsidised tenancy. Apartments are equipped with an emergency call system, and care or support is provided by mobile services.
Assisted living for senior citizens
Here, residents live barrier-free as part of a funded tenancy. Additional services such as room and laundry cleaning and catering are available, as well as social and cultural activities. The apartment is also equipped with an emergency telephone. There is also a service point in the building. Support and care are provided by mobile services.
If you would like to live independently but require a barrier-free environment, a retirement apartment may be the right choice for you. These apartments are designed without obstacles such as stairs or narrow doors. The range of services and amenities can vary greatly depending on the provider.
If you no longer want to live alone or can no longer do so, a shared apartment for senior citizens may be the right option for you. You will receive support when moving in and out, assistance with applications and contact with doctors or if you need care.
Information on the range of shared apartments for senior citizens in Vienna can be found at the following link, for example:

Senior citizens' residential communities of the Samariterbund Vienna

Senior living communities with mobile care - Hilfswerk Wien

Senior citizens' shared accommodation - Fond Soziales Wien

You will also find further offers in your federal province:

Last update: October 1, 2025

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