Aachen’s project “Wohnduo“ was founded by the „Bündnis für Famlie“ and various other alliance partners such as the RWTH, FH, KFH and the “Älter werden in Aachen” coordinating office.
“Residence for help“is based on the idea of being very neighbourly. It is basically a service exchange program. Older people offer free rooms in their tenement or house and in return the student provides assistance with the everyday life.
The “Wohnduo” project has many advantages. On the on hand it enables the older generation to stay longer in their common environment and on the other hand students are able to save a lot of lease rental charges. Usually, one m² equals one hour of support, however, an additional allowance is added to the lease rental charge. Actually, the older generation saves money as well since spending on external services can be avoided in such a way.
Furthermore, the “Wohnduo” also emphasizes the exchange and the solidarity between the two generations. This type of contact is the best way to avoid isolation. Students get involved in the local life quite fast and train their soft skills and the older generation stays in touch with the younger one.
Residence for help is a dialogue between the generations and a great benefit for both sides. Residence for help projects alredy excist in Frankfurt, Freiburg, Gießen, Karlsruhe, Köln, Mainz, Marburg, München, Münster und Stuttgart.
