Home care for the elderly in Germany necessitates the involvement of family members
According to the alliance agreement, it is imperative to alleviate the burden on family members providing care by offering compensation for their efforts. Allowing parents to serve as role models in this context could be beneficial. However, addressing the shortage of experts in the caregiving field cannot be resolved solely by this approach, as Martina Röder, Head of the Care Council in Thuringia, emphasizes.
Many individuals are either unable or unwilling to provide long-term care for their parents or family members. In this context, the alliance agreement indicates a willingness to provide financial compensation to family members engaged in caregiving if they are compelled to discontinue their employment.
Home Care for the Elderly in Germany
As society ages, the proportion of individuals in need of care increases. At ages 70-74, one out of every ten people requires care, while at age 90, eight out of every ten individuals require it, according to the Federal Statistical Office.
Home care is believed to be less expensive than care in nursing homes, and the figures indicate that the average cost of residing in nursing homes in Saxony is 2,387 euros.
Daniel, a home nurse for the past ten years in Leipzig, confirms that home care cannot be carried out without the support of family members.
The proposed idea is to provide compensations to family members who cease working for caregiving responsibilities, and this concept is supported by the Christian Democratic Party and the Christian Social Union.
Tino Sorge, the spokesperson for health policy in the parliament, has once again raised the issue.
Martina Röder sees the idea as favorable, but she notes a severe shortage of experts in the caregiving field, and this issue is unlikely to be resolved in the near future.
Sabine Kronert believes that in many countries, it’s natural for family members to care for their relatives, and she considers that individuals who work and support themselves cannot afford to stop working for caregiving responsibilities.
Daniel points out that family members often overlook their personal needs when providing care, which can lead to mistakes or even abuse. Therefore, providing training and support to family members is essential for everyone’s well-being.
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