According to a study, in view of the rising costs for care in homes, more and more people in need of care are likely to be dependent on social assistance. This year, almost a third (32.5 percent) of residents are likely to receive so-called care assistance, as the analysis commissioned by the health insurance company DAK-Gesundheit showed - despite a sharp increase in pensions in 2022.

This would mean that the social assistance rate would rise again after falling significantly to 30.5 percent last year thanks to new relief surcharges for care costs that you have to bear yourself.

According to the model calculation by the health economist Heinz Rothgang from the University of Bremen, the proportion of people in need of care in the home with social assistance could increase further to 34.2 percent next year and then further to 36 percent by 2026.

Better promote care at home

DAK boss Andreas Storm told the German Press Agency: "The aim must be that less than 30 percent of the residents of the home are dependent on social assistance." To ensure that people do not first have to go to a nursing home, care in their own four walls must be promoted much more. The nursing allowance should therefore be increased by at least ten percent this year.

Personal contributions for care in the home have been increasing for years - now despite the relief surcharges introduced in 2022, which increase with the duration of care. As of January 1, 2023, according to data from the Association of Substitute Health Insurance Funds, the national average in the home in the first year was 2411 euros per month, 278 euros more than at the beginning of 2022.

On the one hand, the sums include the personal contribution for pure care and support. Unlike health insurance, long-term care insurance only pays part of the costs. For residents of the home, there are also costs for accommodation, meals and also for investments in the facilities. Health Minister Karl Lauterbach (SPD) has announced a care reform for this year.