Nursing Home Costs in Germany Exceed €3,000 Amid Calls for Reform

The cost of care for individuals in nursing homes in Germany continues to rise significantly, surpassing 3,000 euros per month. This increase is attributed to higher personnel and living costs, with significant regional variations.

Bremen reports the highest monthly costs, while Saxony-Anhalt has the lowest. The Verband der Ersatzkassen (vdek) calls for immediate political action, urging states to fulfill their financial responsibilities for investments and staff training.

The social insurance system currently provides tiered subsidies over time, but these are insufficient to alleviate the financial burden on residents. Experts and social organizations advocate for systemic reforms, including a transition to full insurance coverage or cost caps, to prevent care from becoming a poverty risk.

A federal working group, led by Health Minister Nina Warken, is tasked with developing reform proposals to address these challenges.