The German Nursing Council is urging a clearer division of costs between the federal government and individual states regarding long-term care facility placements and is calling on states to assume responsibility for investment and training expenses within these facilities.
Christine Vogler, President of the Nursing Council, emphasized the need for a comprehensive solution to the rising costs of care, speaking to the Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland. While a joint task force established by the Federal Ministry of Health is currently working on limiting the portion of costs borne by individuals receiving care, Vogler argues this alone is insufficient.
She stated that states have a legal obligation to cover investment costs, not the individuals requiring care. The escalating costs – particularly with initial stays exceeding €3,000 – are rendering long-term care facilities unaffordable for those in need of assistance. A definitive agreement is needed to clarify the financial responsibilities of the federal government, state governments, health insurance funds and ultimately, what level of financial burden is acceptable for care recipients and their families.
A key point of contention is the fact that residents of care facilities are often charged for medically-necessary treatments, while similar treatments are covered by health insurance funds in the context of ambulatory care. Furthermore, it’s questioned why individuals in long-term care should bear the financial cost of staff training within these facilities.
The German Nursing Council, acting as the umbrella organization for the sector’s major professional associations, highlighted the upward pressure on costs stemming primarily from rising personnel costs and a severe shortage of skilled workers. Vogler emphasized the valuable and essential services provided by professional caregivers and underscored the need for fair compensation to avoid financial hardship for those relying on their care.
