Germany faces growing challenges in elderly care and family support

Germany is grappling with significant pressures in its care system, as approximately 86 percent of the 5.7 million people requiring care are supported at home by relatives or outpatient services. This reliance on informal care places a heavy burden on families, particularly women, and poses risks to the labor market. Studies suggest that by 2045, up to 229,000 full-time positions could be lost due to the demands of caregiving.

Financial concerns are also mounting. In regions like North Rhine-Westphalia, monthly out-of-pocket costs for nursing home residents can reach 4,080 euros, significantly exceeding national averages. Meanwhile, political debates continue regarding the funding of long-term care insurance, which faces a projected deficit of 15 billion euros by 2028. Proposals to address this include a “care citizen insurance” model and increased inheritance taxes.

To provide temporary relief, the German government offers “prevention care” (Verhinderungspflege), allowing for up to eight weeks of substitute care per year. However, unused budgets for short-term and prevention care cannot be carried over to the following year. Additionally, new regulations starting July 2025 aim to simplify access to these services for those with at least a care level of 2.