Germany's Care Crisis Deepens as Reforms Threaten Outpatient Funding

Over five million people in Germany need long-term care, with most relying on family members at home. Yet, planned federal reforms to statutory health insurance now threaten funding for wage increases in outpatient care. Experts warn this could destabilise services and place even greater strain on unpaid carers. Many older Germans prefer to stay in their own homes as long as possible. Currently, four out of five care recipients depend on relatives for support, often backed by professional staff. But the system faces fresh challenges as reforms risk cutting funds for wage rises in outpatient services.

Matthias Fisahn, head of nursing at Johanniter-Unfall-Hilfe in Bremen-Verden, calls caring for someone a deeply responsible task. He stresses that both family carers and professionals need stronger political backing. Without it, reduced benefits could force families to shoulder even more care duties without proper assistance. To help navigate these pressures, Johanniter offers the free *mitpflegeleben* app. It provides guidance on care tasks, explains benefits and applications, and shares practical advice. The app also helps organise daily responsibilities, aiming to ease the load for those managing care at home. More details are available at [www.mitpflegeleben.de](http://www.mitpflegeleben.de).

Sudden funding cuts would create financial strain for outpatient care providers, risking reliable support for patients. Working conditions could deteriorate further, leaving families with fewer resources. The reforms may ultimately shift more responsibility onto relatives, many of whom already face heavy demands.