Increase in Home Care Payments Observed Once More

Home care costs climbing higher once more - Increase in Home Care Payments Observed Once More

In recent years, there has been a significant increase in self-payment contributions (Eigenanteile) for nursing home care in North Rhine-Westphalia and Germany. This trend is primarily driven by demographic changes, rising care costs, and the structure of long-term care financing in the country.

Over the last decade, out-of-pocket payments required from nursing home residents have risen significantly in Germany, including North Rhine-Westphalia. This is due to the fact that care costs have escalated faster than the statutory long-term care insurance (Pflegeversicherung) benefits cover. The system, introduced in the 1990s, only covers part of the total costs, primarily care services. Accommodation, food, and other costs must be borne by the resident.

As the population ages and the demand for care increases, the gap between total costs and insurance reimbursements has widened, leading to higher self-payments. The vdek, an association of health insurers, has evaluated remuneration agreements between nursing care insurance funds and homes in all federal states.

In North Rhine-Westphalia, the self-payment in this cost group is now 2,358 euros, an increase of 132 euros. The average monthly self-payment for nursing home residents in the first year of residence in the state is 3,427 euros as of July 1, 2022. This is the highest in Germany, with Bremen being the only place where self-payment for nursing home residents is higher, averaging 3,449 euros per month. On the other hand, the lowest monthly burden in the first year of residence in a nursing home is in Saxony-Anhalt, at 2,595 euros, and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, at 2,752 euros.

The vdek, along with the SPD opposition in NRW, has called for immediate relief for nursing care insurance. They argue that care dependency is one of the greatest risks of loneliness and poverty. The federal government has committed to a broad reform promise and emphasized the need for short-term support from the federal budget to avoid premium increases in 2026.

The potential solutions for relief include increasing state subsidies, improving long-term care insurance, preventing and supporting home care services, cost regulation, and implementing innovative care models. If the state of NRW took over investment costs, as legally provided, this would relieve home residents by 636 euros per month, according to Ruiss, the head of the vdek's state representation in NRW.

In summary, the rise in self-payment contributions in North Rhine-Westphalia and Germany reflects systemic demographic and economic pressures within the existing care financing framework. Addressing it requires coordinated reforms at federal and state levels along with innovation in care delivery.

1. The increase in self-payment contributions for nursing home care is a result of demographic changes and rising care costs in both North Rhine-Westphalia and Germany.
2. The statutory long-term care insurance only covers a part of the total costs, primarily care services, leaving accommodation, food, and other costs to be borne by the resident.
3. The growing demand for care has widened the gap between total costs and insurance reimbursements, leading to higher self-payments.
4. The vdek, an association of health insurers, has evaluated remuneration agreements between nursing care insurance funds and homes in all federal states.
5. In North Rhine-Westphalia, the self-payment in this cost group is now 2,358 euros, an increase of 132 euros.
6. As of July 1, 2022, the average monthly self-payment for nursing home residents in the first year of residence in North Rhine-Westphalia is 3,427 euros.
7. This is the highest in Germany, with Bremen being the only place where self-payment for nursing home residents is higher, averaging 3,449 euros per month.
8. The lowest monthly burden in the first year of residence in a nursing home is in Saxony-Anhalt, at 2,595 euros, and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, at 2,752 euros.
9. The SPD opposition in NRW, along with the vdek, has called for immediate relief for nursing care insurance.
10. Care dependency is one of the greatest risks of loneliness and poverty, they argue.
11. The federal government has committed to a broad reform promise and emphasized the need for short-term support from the federal budget to avoid premium increases in 2026.
12. Potential solutions for relief include increasing state subsidies, improving long-term care insurance, preventing and supporting home care services, cost regulation, and implementing innovative care models.
13. If the state of NRW took over investment costs, as legally provided, this would relieve home residents by 636 euros per month, according to Ruiss, the head of the vdek's state representation in NRW.
14. Addressing the rise in self-payment contributions requires coordinated reforms at federal and state levels along with innovation in care delivery.
15. The science of healthcare and workplace-wellness is crucial in managing medical-conditions, chronic diseases, and respiratory conditions for nursing home residents.
16. Digestive health, eye-health, and hearing all play significant roles in maintaining the quality of life for these individuals.
17. Health and wellness, fitness, and exercise are essential for promoting overall health and helping residents manage their medical challenges.
18. Autoimmune disorders, skin conditions, and health therapies should be considered in the care plan for nursing home residents.
19. Cardiovascular health is a key focus in the care of the elderly, as the risk of heart disease increases with age.
20. The manufacturing industry, along with environmental science, plays a role in the production of equipment and facilities for nursing homes.
21. Mental health services are necessary to address the emotional and psychological needs of residents.
22. Skin care is crucial in preventing and managing skin-related issues common among the elderly.
23. Cybersecurity measures are essential in protecting sensitive resident data and maintaining secure communication between care providers.
24. The lifestyle of nursing home residents should include opportunities for engagement and personal growth.
25. Fashion and beauty, food and drink, investing, wealth management, home and garden, and business are all important aspects of maintaining a fulfilling and comfortable lifestyle in a care facility.
26. Personal finance, banking, and insurance are key factors in managing the costs associated with nursing home care.
27. Gadgets, data, and cloud computing can enhance the quality of care and communication within a nursing home.
28. Artificial intelligence and relationships are intertwined, as AI can help foster connections between residents, their families, and caregivers.
29. Pets, travel, cars, books, and other personal interests can help residents maintain a sense of independence and normalcy in their lives.
30. Migration and education are essential aspects of self-development and personal growth for both residents and caregivers in a nursing home setting.
31. Social media and entertainment, including movies and TV, can help residents stay connected and engaged with the world outside the nursing home.
32. Politics, war, celebrity culture, and general news all impact the lives of nursing home residents, and it's important to consider these broader factors in their care and well-being.

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