The rising costs of nursing home care are placing significant strain on residents, prompting calls for intervention and a re-evaluation of funding responsibilities. A recent analysis indicates that the financial burden of nursing home placement has reached a record level, with out-of-pocket expenses for the first year of care exceeding €3,000 per month nationwide – a rise of €237 compared to the previous year.
The German Patient Protection Foundation is advocating for a cap on pure nursing costs, suggesting a limit of €1,000 per month. They argue that the current trajectory, marked by a more than 41% increase in resident contributions over the past three years, is unsustainable. The Foundation further urges states (Länder) to assume a greater share of the financial responsibility, specifically covering training and investment costs associated with nursing home operations.
According to calculations provided by the Association of Substitute Health Insurers, this shift in funding could potentially decrease the average cost of stationary nursing care by approximately €600 per month. While advocating for resident contributions toward accommodation, meals and premium amenities, the Foundation emphasizes the importance of allowing younger and middle-generation individuals to adequately plan for their future care needs.
The current German government’s decision to defer the nursing care reform to a joint federal-state commission has drawn criticism. Concerns remain that this approach avoids a direct assumption of responsibility for the escalating costs faced by the approximately 800,000 individuals residing in nursing homes. A newly formed working group, comprised of representatives from the federal government and state governments, is currently tasked with developing potential solutions by the end of the year.
