Long-term care in Germany

Abstract

Like other industrialized countries Germany, too, is facing a dramatic demographic change. Life expectancy has increased by more than 15 years since World War II and in particular the number of very old people has rocketed. While in the 1970s, a 85th anniversary was still a major event, today’s newspapers very often show photos of centenarians being delivered congratulatory messages marking their 100th birthday. According to the Federal Bureau of Statistics in 2014 some 690,000 people were older than 90 years and some 19,150 were 100 years and older. Most of these jubilee festivities take place in residential homes since nearly all people who have reached this age almost inevitably need some form of help. In residential homes, where in 2014 some 764,431 persons lived, professional carers for the elderly provide the necessary help. But a large number of elderly persons, in particular those in their seventies, eighties and sometimes even nineties, still live in their own homes or with their families. Families are, in fact, still the main providers of long-term care in Germany. In 2014 7 out of 10 dependent persons (1,861,775 persons) received care at home. The “burden” of giving care mainly rests with the daughters or daughters-in-law, but due to the rise in life expectancy of both men and women, as well as the changing role of men and women in society it has also become common that a husband cares for his dependent wife-even though this solution is mostly resorted to if the couple has no children who might provide the care.