The first Heimstaden pilot community housing for the elderly completed in Havířov

Wheelchair accessible living, 24 hour reception, lounge, the security of an enclosed garden and of course affordable rent. These are the main parameters of a completely new type of housing, which was completed in November by the largest apartment landlord in the Czech Republic, the Scandinavian company Heimstaden. Two completely renovated houses in Havířov-Šumbark offer seniors a total of 66 apartments.

The flats have a layout of 1 + 1 bedroom with a size of 28 square meters with their own kitchen, toilet and bathroom. The client pays less than ten thousand crowns for it including services. "We expect that all these apartments will be rented within two months. There is a huge interest in housing adapted for elderly people with physical disabilities. Capacities in most towns are insufficient and in some places seniors wait several years for placement in homes for the elderly. And our project meets them. We offer safety, comfortable facilities and a range of services at a very interesting price," says Jan Rafaj, CEO of the Czech branch of Heimstaden. All clients will also have access to the Senior Assistant service, which was introduced by Heimstaden seven years ago and helps seniors to deal with administrative tasks and health and social services.

Both houses are virtually barrier-free. The wide corridors between the floors are connected by an elevator, which was the biggest structural intervention in the project. Heimstaden invested almost CZK 70 million in the renovation. The immediate surroundings of the houses have also been transformed, offering seniors seating and greenery.

For the largest rental housing provider in the Czech Republic, this is a completely groundbreaking project that focuses on a specific target group and adapts to their needs. Milan Taraba, Chairman of the Tenants Association of the Czech Republic, appreciates this step. "I am very pleasantly surprised that a private company can create affordable housing for the elderly and take a responsible approach to the problem of the lack of housing capacity for people with specific needs," says Milan Taraba. Stanislava Gorecká, Deputy Mayor of Havířov, also sees another opportunity for seniors in Havířov as very meaningful. "Our city runs the Havířov Senior Citizens' Home and offers 270 places in the Helios and Luna centres. Nevertheless, the demand far exceeds our possibilities, and therefore we welcome the activities of all entities whose aim is to promote quality and safe housing for the elderly. In this case, thanks to the Community Housing project, Šumbark will gain in attractiveness," said Stanislava Gorecká.