Germany Faces Sharp Rise in Care Dependency, Regional Disparities Highlight Challenges

New AOK report reveals a 57% increase in care needs since 2017, with stark regional differences and growing reliance on family and community support.

The number of care-dependent individuals in Germany grew from 3.3 million in 2017 to 5.2 million in 2023, far exceeding demographic projections of a 21% rise.
Eastern regions, parts of Hessen, and North Rhine-Westphalia report the highest care dependency rates, with some areas seeing rates above 17%.
Changes to the definition of care eligibility in 2017, including broader inclusion of dementia patients, contributed to the surge in care needs.
The AOK proposes 'Caring Communities' to involve local networks of professionals, volunteers, and family caregivers to address the growing demand.
Critics argue that while volunteer efforts are valuable, they cannot replace systemic reforms to address workforce shortages and rising costs in professional care.