The ongoing debate surrounding rising costs in German nursing homes has seen the President of the German Red Cross (DRK), Gerda Hasselfeldt, advocate for a cap on the individual contribution required from residents.
Speaking to the Funke-Mediengruppe newspapers, Hasselfeldt emphasized the need to “fix and make calculable” the portion paid by individuals in need of care and their families. She proposed a shift in the current system, suggesting a model where residents contribute a fixed amount towards their care, making expenses more predictable. This would be coupled with increased financial support from the Pflegeversicherung (care insurance) and the state, a concept sometimes referred to as a “base-peak swap”. Hasselfeldt explained this approach would prevent unchecked price increases in care from being passed directly onto residents. While supporting a limit, she refrained from specifying a precise maximum contribution amount.
Recent data indicates a significant increase in the financial burden of nursing home care. A recent analysis by the Association of Substitute Health Insurers revealed that out-of-pocket payments for residents during their first year in a facility now average over €3,000 per month nationwide. Hasselfeldt identified this as an excessive burden on those requiring care and their families, warning that it risks creating a spiral of poverty. She expressed concern that many are simply unable to afford this level of expense.
Looking ahead, Hasselfeldt predicts future generations seeking nursing home placement will face increasing difficulties. She highlighted the doubling of the population requiring care within the last two decades, a trend expected to continue. This challenge is compounded by a largely stagnant number of qualified care staff. The combination of workforce shortages and funding problems, she noted, is already forcing some facilities to reduce beds, close departments and even face insolvency. The demographic shift, she concluded, will undoubtedly exacerbate the challenges confronting the German care system.
