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Care costs on the rise: 271 million euros for seniors in 2024!
Find out everything about current developments and financial aspects of long-term care insurance in Germany, including subsidies.
Care costs on the rise: 271 million euros for seniors in 2024!
The financing of geriatric care has been the focus of public discussion for years. The increase in spending on care allowances and retirement homes highlights the growing challenge posed by the aging population. In 2015, public spending in this area was 196 million euros. By 2021, this rose to 243 million euros, and for 2024, State Councilor for Social Affairs Rosmarie Pamer expects an increase to 271 million euros, as reported SWZ.
However, actual spending on care for the elderly is many times higher, which points to the need for comprehensive reform in care financing. Demographic change is causing many federal states to take appropriate measures to ensure care financing.
Nursing degrees and subsidies
A central element of care financing are the subsidies that those in need of care receive depending on the level of care. Every person in need of care in care level 1 receives a monthly subsidy of 131 euros for full-time inpatient care. The subsidies increase with the level of care:
- Pflegegrad 2: 805 Euro
- Pflegegrad 3: 1.319 Euro
- Pflegegrad 4: 1.855 Euro
- Pflegegrad 5: 2.096 Euro
In addition, nursing care insurance grants staggered benefit supplements based on length of stay. From the first month onwards, the insurance covers 15% of your own share of care-related expenses. After 12 months, this subsidy increases to 30%, after 24 months to 50% and finally to 75% after 36 months. These regulations are important so that those in need of care are not placed under an excessive burden if government subsidies are not sufficient. Those in need of care then have to pay their own contribution, the amount of which can vary depending on the facility.
Costs and additional burdens
In addition to the subsidies for care, there are other costs that vary from nursing home to nursing home. These include fees for meals, accommodation, investments and comfort services. It is therefore advisable for relatives and those in need of care to inform themselves thoroughly in order to avoid unexpected financial burdens.
Comprehensive information about care financing and available subsidies is available on the website Federal Ministry of Health to find. Choosing the right nursing home and understanding the financial aspects are crucial to ensuring the best possible care in old age.