Rheinland-Pfalz expands hospice and end-of-life care services

Rheinland-Pfalz currently operates 22 stationary hospice facilities for adults, with five additional locations planned or under construction, according to the state Ministry of Health. Stationary hospices are utilized for approximately four to five percent of all deaths, with patients staying an average of 22 to 38 days.

In addition to stationary care, outpatient hospice services provided by the health insurance provider AOK are expected to support more than 5,300 patients in 2025. The AOK has allocated over 3.3 million euros to support outpatient end-of-life care in the region through 2026. Health Minister Clemens Hoch noted that hospice work relies heavily on volunteers and that most people, particularly children and adolescents, prefer to spend their final stages of life in a home environment.

While stationary hospices are largely funded through donations and non-public funds, the state provides subsidies of up to 30,000 euros in exceptional cases. The region also hosts a single specialized children's hospice located in Mainz, which serves as a retreat for critically ill children and their families.