Katrin Staffler (CSU), the federal government’s representative for care, is demanding significant revisions to the planned care reform. Speaking to the “Bild” (Thursday edition), Staffler emphasized that regardless of austerity measures, care must remain reliable and practical for both those needing assistance and their relatives. She stated that if the reform ends up making the system more complicated and bureaucratic, it will not be effective.
Staffler specifically warned about the heavy burden placed on family caregivers. These individuals often juggle a non-stop, 24-hour job combined with significant emotional strain, necessitating real time for rest and personal life. Currently, relief care (Verhinderungspflege) helps alleviate this pressure. However, if this flexible form of support were eliminated, the impact on these caregivers would be particularly severe, according to her conversations with industry professionals.
In its current state, the law is deemed impractical. Staffler clearly expressed her expectation that parliamentarians will make necessary improvements to the legislation.
Simultaneously, she insisted that the care insurance system must remain financially stable. It is crucial that those who require care receive adequate support. Yet, Staffler stressed that while the care insurance must also be robust, financially solid, and protected against crises, these required measures must not further strain the family caregivers.
