An Angel for Mother
"The idea arose out of our own needs," explains Susanne Braatz, whose mother suffers from Parkinson's. "At first, we cared for her at home, but later, it became impossible. A retirement home was not an option for us, and the senior residences that exist are basically for people suffering from severe dementia." In Germany, elderly individuals who qualify for Care Level 1, but who can no longer live on their own, tend to fall through the cracks. Braatz’s mother, for example, is too fit for a home, or for "assisted living." A living community, a genuine home, one that is shared with other elderly residents and that at the same time offers nursing care, is an alternative form of residence that simply didn't exist before – Susanne Braatz had to invent it. Together with her husband, meanwhile, she supervises three living communities with elderly people. The concept is unique in Germany.
In this report, we accompany Susanne Braatz and her husband during the establishment of a fourth residence. The challenges are formidable - again and again, they encounter obstacles. Not only must they find a suitable apartment, they must also choose the appropriate occupants. The demand is huge, in the beginning there are numerous meetings. Before arriving at a final selection of occupants, Susanne Braatz and her husband conduct up to 30 interviews to get acquainted with candidates. “We meet with people a number of times, two or three times for a couple of hours. We want to get to know their characters, their natures as individuals. In the end, we want our residences to be harmonious, like a family,” explains Wolfgang Braatz.
Before the seniors can move in, the apartment needs to be renovated and equipped to be disability friendly. Moves must be organized, notice given to landlords, former homes vacated. Together, families must decide which furnishings seniors will bring along, and which items will be purchased new.
At the same time, the occupants of the other three apartments cannot be left in the lurch. On the agenda are daily meetings, and there are discussions with family members and the team of therapists, not to mention daily battles with the health insurance funds. What are the limitations of such senior group homes? What difficulties does Susanne Braatz face on a daily basis? We also spend time with this idealistic woman at moments when her opposite optimism is put to the test.
