Germany is considering increased oversight of individuals receiving care at home from family members, according to a statement from the Federal Association of Caregivers (Biva). The organization is advocating for independent inspections to ensure the well-being of those receiving care and proper use of allocated funding.
Biva’s legal counsel, Ulrike Kempchen, explained to public broadcaster MDR that the objective is to improve transparency in a system where vulnerabilities can exist. She noted instances of neglect and emphasized the fundamental responsibility to guarantee adequate care for individuals receiving financial support from care insurance funds.
Currently, care provisions often involve consultations from care services, however, Biva argues that these services are inherently biased, as they possess a financial incentive to assume responsibility for care themselves. Kempchen suggests that introducing impartial, independent assessors would provide a more objective evaluation of care standards and ensure funds are dedicated to the intended purpose of providing support for those in need. The focus, according to Biva, is not punitive, but rather on safeguarding the welfare of vulnerable individuals and ensuring accountability within the care system.
