2024-10-31 11:36:00
In Germany there are more and more elderly people. According to the online portal statista.de, in 2023 just over 22% of the population was over 65 years old. About five million people needed healthcare. Four out of five received it at home, and the rest – about a million people – lived in nursing homes. Most older people find it difficult to decide to leave their home. Added to this are concerns about the enormous financial burden. Most simply cannot afford to move into a nursing home, with living costs reaching four figures every month.
Costs, especially for medical personnel, as well as for food and accommodation, are constantly increasing. In addition, each such organization independently sets the rates for its services, and these vary greatly. It is therefore not possible to give a total estimate of how much it costs to live in a nursing home in Germany, but you can get a rough idea of how much the price is and, above all, how much you have to pay. pay out of pocket.
What types of nursing homes are there in Germany?
According to data from a specialized Internet portal Care marketas of May 2024, there were 11,680 registered nursing homes with fully hospital-based care in Germany, with approximately 918 thousand beds. In German they are called “Altenheim” and “Pflegeheim”, but in essence they are practically the same thing. Elderly citizens and people with disabilities who have partially or completely lost the ability to self-care and need constant care can live in these homes. Other concepts and forms of outpatient care must be distinguished from residential care in nursing homes. For example, there are so-called assisted living groups (Wohngruppen), in which several residents of a shared apartment use the services of one of the care services or individual operators together. There are also many elderly people who do not require intensive care, but want to live where the pace of life is best suited to their needs – for example, there are so-called senior homes (Seniorenhaus) for them. While fully residential nursing homes focus on care, assisted living homes and residences based on other concepts focus on the social aspect. Each institution sets its own prices and services. In Germany in 2022, around 4% of fully residential homes were managed by municipal bodies, 53% were managed by non-profit organizations (such as large charities), and 43% were privately owned.
Who pays for my stay in a nursing home?
The cost of living in a fully inpatient nursing home in Germany varies depending on the person’s level of care. Most will have to be paid out of pocket. In July 2024, the national average personal contribution was 2,871 euros per month (211 euros more than in the past). This includes monthly expenses for establishment, room and board, investment expenses and staff training expenses.
Note that in the first four years of residency the personal contribution decreases slightly. If we take the average statistical amount above as a basis, for the second year it is 2620 euros, for the third 2284 euros and from the fourth year it reaches 1865 euros per month. At the same time, statistics show that only a third of nursing home residents stay there for three years or more. As a rule, the amount of the personal contribution is deducted from the elderly person’s pension in such a way that 75% of the month goes to pay for nursing home services, and 25% goes to the pensioner. According to the Ministry of Labor, as of July 2023, the average pension for old age after at least 45 years of contributions to the pension fund it was 1,543 euros per month.
Who pays the expenses if the pension is not enough?
If your income is not sufficient to cover your personal contribution and your savings have already been used to the maximum, so much so that there is no more than 10 thousand euros left as a reserve, you can request auxiliary social security subsidies. However, before government support is approved, children’s income will be verified. Under current law, if a child’s income exceeds $100,000 a year after taxes, he or she must contribute to the cost of his or her parents’ care in a nursing home.
You can read more about what and how much you have to pay in a nursing home – using the example of the region of North Rhine-Westphalia – on the Internet portal Center for the Protection of Consumer Rightswhich also provides information in Russian and Ukrainian.
The reform of the system has already begun
Currently in Germany there is a trend towards a decrease in the number of nursing homes: compared to 2019 there are three and a half thousand fewer. They are now approximately the same number as in 2009. This reduction in the number of institutions is explained by the severe shortage of medical personnel, as well as the increase in costs for rent, electricity and staff salaries. In the period 2023-2025, a reform of the care system for people in need is underway in Germany. The set of measures is designed to improve the training of nurses and health workers and ease the burden on both people in need and their relatives. In particular, contributions for health insurance (from 3.05 to 3.4 percent of income) and state subsidies, including co-payments and deductibles, have already increased. It depends, among other things, on the number of children and the age of the insured person. Furthermore, state subsidies for care services have increased.
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Interview: Balancing Care and Costs for Germany’s Aging Population
Editor (Time.news): Welcome, and thank you for joining us today. Germany is facing a significant demographic shift with a growing population of elderly citizens. Can you provide an overview of the current situation regarding elderly care in the country?
Expert: Thank you for having me. Indeed, the statistics are quite revealing. As of 2023, over 22% of the population in Germany is aged 65 and above, with approximately five million requiring healthcare services. The majority, around 80%, receive care at home, while about one million reside in nursing homes.
Editor: That’s a staggering number. What are some of the main challenges that elderly individuals face when considering moving into nursing homes?
Expert: One of the primary concerns is the emotional and psychological difficulty of leaving their long-time home. Many older adults have deep-rooted attachments to their living spaces, which makes relocation daunting. Financial constraints also play a critical role; the high costs associated with nursing home care can be prohibitive.
Editor: Speaking of costs, can you break down the financial realities for those considering nursing home options in Germany?
Expert: Certainly. The average personal contribution for a month’s stay in a fully inpatient nursing home is €2,871 as of July 2024. This does not include the initial fees or specific costs for services that can vary widely based on the home’s policies. Families must often grapple with these figures, especially when the average pension is around €1,543 after 45 years of contributions.
Editor: That’s concerning. What types of nursing homes exist in Germany, and how do they differ from one another?
Expert: In Germany, nursing homes are broadly categorized. There are 11,680 registered homes providing full care, known as “Altenheim” or “Pflegeheim.” Apart from these, there are assisted living groups and senior homes, which cater to residents who may not need intense care but prefer a supportive community. It’s essential for families to evaluate their loved one’s specific needs to determine the best fit.
Editor: With these different options, are there significant differences in costs across these types?
Expert: Yes, absolutely. Each institution operates independently, setting their own pricing, which leads to a wide variation in monthly costs. While some might offer a more affordable communal living style, others might provide enhanced services at a premium. Therefore, it’s crucial for families to research and compare available options based on their financial and care requirements.
Editor: What happens if a resident’s pension doesn’t cover the costs of care? Are there any support systems in place?
Expert: If an elderly person’s pension falls short, they can apply for social security subsidies. However, this assistance is contingent on a wealth test that includes assessing the income of their children. If a child earns over €100,000 after taxes, they are expected to contribute to their parents’ nursing home costs. This can put added pressure on families, especially if multiple siblings are involved.
Editor: That can be quite the burden. How can families best prepare for the challenges of elder care, financially and otherwise?
Expert: Planning is key. It’s important for families to have open discussions about finances and care preferences well in advance. Investigating all options, understanding potential costs, and exploring available government subsidies can enable families to make informed decisions. Additionally, engaging with healthcare professionals early can provide valuable insights into care planning.
Editor: Thank you for this insightful discussion. As Germany navigates these demographic shifts, it’s crucial for families to be proactive in understanding and managing the challenges associated with elderly care.
Expert: Thank you for shedding light on such an important issue. It’s vital that we continue to prioritize the well-being of our aging population.