Abstract
In Germany, a large proportion of people in need of care are cared for at home by family members which is enhanced, among other things, by the fact that the construct of the German long-term care insurance is strongly targeted at families. However, although there is support available, affected families face various risks, e.g. the risk of socio-economic deprivation. Studies show that care is perceived as very exhausting and limiting for social contacts as well as a financial burden. It is therefore of interest what needs to be done in order to improve the situation of families with relatives in need of care and to reduce sources of stress. The analysis is based on eight expert interviews that have been conducted – online and in person – in 2022 as part of the research Project SEreDIPE (funded by Horizon 2020 MSCA-IF-2019 (g.a.n.888102)). The experts were selected based on their scientific and/or practical knowledge related to long-term care in Germany. The expert opinions agree that sufficient support in caring for relatives often fails due to a lack of information. Many of those affected do not know what they are entitled to and how they can claim it. For example, few people know that carers can take a three-week cure every four years and there are hardly any offers for it. In addition, a need was identified for greater flexibility in the services offered, so that, for example, working carers can reconcile them better and individual needs can be better taken into account.
Presenters
Nehle PenningPhD student and research associate, Social Sciences, TU Dortmund University, Germany Georgia Casanova
Researcher, Centre for Socio-Economic Research on Ageing, INRCA (IRCCS) - National Institute of Health and Science on Ageing, Ancona, Italy
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
KEYWORDS
Flexibility, Information, Accessibility, Families, Germany
