What does it mean?
A service apartment is housing with access to staff and daily support, intended for elderly or persons with disabilities who need some help but not full nursing care. The municipality is responsible for service apartments as part of elderly care or interventions under LSS (the Act Concerning Support and Service for Persons with Certain Functional Impairments).
Service apartments have their own units with kitchen and bathroom, but with staff available around the clock or during set hours. Allocation is through a needs assessment by the municipality — you apply through social services and needs are assessed individually. Rent is paid by the resident and follows normal rental rules, but home care services may involve a separate care fee. The difference from sheltered housing is that service apartments require a needs assessment decision and offer more extensive support.
Key Points
- Own apartment with staff and daily support
- Intended for elderly or persons with disabilities
- Requires needs assessment by the municipality — apply through social services
- More extensive support than sheltered housing but less than nursing homes
- Rent paid by resident, care services may involve a separate fee
Practical Tip
Apply for a service apartment through your municipality if you or a relative needs daily support. The needs assessor evaluates the need — prepare by documenting which daily tasks require assistance.
Legal Basis: Social Services Act (2001:453), LSS (1993:387)