Remuneration for training increases
The situation in care in Germany is improving
October 12, 2023, 8:16 a.m
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The care industry has been a construction site in Germany for years: demand is growing, but there is a lack of staff, pay and appreciation are low. According to Diakonie, there is a ray of hope. Training allowances and salaries have improved. But the political framework is missing.
According to the Protestant welfare association Diakonie Deutschland, the nursing industry is certainly attractive in terms of training, pay and professional growth opportunities. “The nursing profession no longer means ‘once at the bedside, always at the bedside’,” said Maria Loheide, head of social policy at Diakonie Germany.
The remuneration for training is 1200 euros in the first year, 1300 euros in the second and 1500 euros in the third year. “It has improved enormously, but word hasn’t really gotten around yet.” The pay for nursing specialists can now also be compared to that in the skilled trades. However, none of this can hide the fact that nursing care reform is urgently needed. “We absolutely need improvements to the general conditions in care. That is undisputed. We are pressing the Health Minister intensively on this.” However, one can also see quite realistically and as announced by Finance Minister Christian Lindner that there will be no more major reforms in this legislative period.
Caring relatives need support
Better financing of long-term care insurance is urgently needed. Loheide also sees a significant need for action with regard to home care. “75 percent of people are cared for at home, usually by relatives or close people. That’s when we realize: They’re really struggling.” These carers need professional support and greater relief through short-term, day or outpatient care. “The system is completely exhausted,” warned Loheide.
Analogous to parental allowance, Diakonie advocates a care allowance for people who give up their job in whole or in part to care for their relatives at home. This has to be cushioned so that it can be afforded financially. Loheide takes part in the Diakonia and Development conference in Rostock. It is the highest decision-making body of the Evangelical Work for Diakonia and Development (EWDE), which includes Diakonie Deutschland, Bread for the World and Diakonie Disaster Aid.