Germany Faces Rising Care Costs as Average Care Duration Doubles

The Barmer Pflegereport highlights financial strains on the social care system due to increased care durations and costs.

The Barmer Pflegereport 2024 projects the average duration of care for individuals in Germany to nearly double from 3.9 to 7.5 years.
The increased care duration is attributed to an aging population and more people qualifying for care benefits under new criteria.
Care costs per person are expected to rise from €50,000 to €76,000, driven by longer care periods and higher wages for care workers.
The report warns that without reforms, the social care insurance system could face financial insolvency due to escalating expenses.
Proposed solutions include funding certain costs from the federal budget and setting limits on personal financial contributions to care.