BERLIN (dpa-AFX) – There are different views in the black-red coalition about the extent to which children of those in need of care should use their income for care in the future. The government’s nursing commissioner, Katrin Staffler (CSU), opposed removing an existing limit of 100,000 euros, as she made clear to the Editorial Network Germany (RND). A deletion of the regulation is announced in Health Minister Nina Warken’s (CDU) draft bill for nursing care reform.
Today, adult children only have to cover their parents’ care costs if they have a gross income of more than 100,000 euros per year. In the draft for Warken’s planned Nursing Reorganization Act, a withdrawal of these rules is announced in a separate procedure. In this way, municipalities should be relieved of rising social welfare costs. Staffler said: “I think it would be wrong to completely delete the border again.”
The credit limits were introduced in a law passed in 2019 by the then black-red government. In general, the social welfare office steps in first with “assistance with care” if those in need of care cannot pay the home costs. However, the authorities often asked the children to pay in order to get some of the costs back, unless the authorities were afraid of the expense of such procedures in individual cases.
More than 3,200 euros for home space
The then Federal Minister of Social Affairs Hubertus Heil (SPD) justified the law when it was passed by saying that the need for care was emotionally and organizationally stressful and that relatives should at least be protected from incalculable financial risks. Staffler also argued: “We have to recognize that the children are already burdened by their parents’ need for help.” In order to ensure a “fair distribution of burdens”, the correct amount of exempt income should now be discussed. She did not give a specific number.
Most recently, those affected had to pay a national average of 3,245 euros per month out of their own pocket for a place in a home in the first year. Heil’s successor Bärbel Bas (SPD) would be responsible for changes to the family relief law in question.
Staffler also called on Federal Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil (SPD) to present a reform for state-funded private nursing care. “The previous “care plan” is a flop,” she said. The current funding is a maximum of 5 euros per month. “But the Ministry of Finance is responsible. I hope to get the necessary support from there.”
Staffler: Also positive consequences for relatives
In general, Staffler defended Warken’s reform plans. “We are faced with a task that is like squaring the circle,” said the CSU politician. “In the next two years alone, more than 20 billion euros will have to be saved in order to keep nursing care insurance operational,” she said, with an annual volume of around 70 billion euros. “You won’t get anywhere with little and little. Everyone has to do their part.” The goal, however, is “that people receive the care that they actually need.” Advice and support would be expanded. “I am confident that we can reduce the high burden on caring relatives.”/bw/DP/he