Social association denounces blatant cases

Social injustices exposed in Hanover

Hanover - Navigating the right path and achieving righteousness don't always coincide. The Lower Saxony Social Association underscores this fact in its newly released "Schwarzbuch sozial" (Social Black Book), featuring over 20 distressing cases.

These recounts of suffering paint a picture of elderly, sick, and needy individuals who have endured unjust decisions by government departments, authorities, and insurance companies. SoVD Association Council Chairman Bernahrd Sackarendt sheds light on the situation, stating that "many people who approach us are plagued by despair, overwhelmed, and often at a loss on how to manage their everyday lives."

Three heartrending situations

A 71-year-old Hanover resident, fond of public transportation, is disillusioned with the Deutschlandticket after realizing that digital solutions are his only option. Unable to purchase the ticket due to his lack of a smartphone, the elderly man is left unable to enjoy the inexpensive travel pass designed to help him. As Dirk Swinke, SoVD board member, points out, "this categorically excludes seniors, who derive particular benefit from such a service."

In another case, due to severe diabetes, a pensioner requires an increased level of care. However, his application for a higher care level was rejected after evidence of his ability to climb stairs and take care of himself. With the assistance of the SoVD, the man persevered for seven years before ultimately securing the care level three he deserved.

A teacher in Bremen, suffering from a nerve fiber disorder, finds relief in working from home during the pandemic. Unfortunately, the state education authority refuses to allow this despite a shortage of specialists. The two parties remain locked in continuous disputation.

Reportedly, the Lower Saxony's largest social association managed to secure 46 million euros in one-time payments for its members in 2022 alone. Their organization comprises 750 local and 42 district associations, boasting 285,000 members across the state.

1. Bremen Regional News has reported on several instances where residents find themselves neglected by local authorities and health insurance companies, leading to hardships and injustices in their pursuit of care and assistance.
2. The Care Act serves as a vital instrument in ensuring fair access to care for all those in need. However, its implementation in Lower Saxony has observed numerous cases where individuals, such as the pensioner with diabetes, are denied the necessary support.
3. A concerning trend in Hanover is the practice of denying coverage or higher levels of care by health insurance companies, jeopardizing both the financial and physical well-being of these individuals, as seen in the teacher with nerve fiber disorder.

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Enrichment Data:

Elderly, sick, and needy individuals in Lower Saxony often encounter common hindrances when seeking assistance from government offices, authorities, and health insurance companies. These challenges include:

1. Financial Burden:
2. Heightened Personal Contributions: In Saxony, elderly people in care homes face escalating payment burdens. As of January 1, 2025, the initial monthly payment for living in a care center is €2,720 – an increase of €231 from 2024[1]. Although the expenses vary by state, Saxony remains below the national average.
3. Digital Transformation Challenges:
4. Accessibility Issues: Digital improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing patient care and public participation may encounter deficiencies, mainly due to resource constraints, the complexity of digital projects, and accessibility issues for specific age groups[2]. This hindrance can limit the overall effectiveness of digital tools in reaching and supporting older individuals.
5. Elder Abuse and Neglect:
6. Risk Factors: Elder abuse in nursing homes is a pressing issue. Risk factors include cognitive impairment, dependence on assistance, poor physical health, isolation, and the presence of poorly trained caregivers[3]. Attention to elder abuse prevention requires expanded monitoring and reporting measures.
7. Cultural and Language Barriers:
8. Language Barriers: Language disparities can significantly impede healthcare access and quality. Consequently, elderly individuals may encounter hurdles in accessing healthcare, suffer from subpar health outcomes, experience lower levels of satisfaction, and be subjected to increased expenses due to the need for translators[4].
9. Fall Prevention and Rehabilitation:
10. Hospital-Associated Disability: Elderly individuals can experience hospital-associated disability, marked by impairments such as muscle atrophy and balance disorders. These conditions can result in rehospitalizations, nursing home admissions, and a poorer quality of life[5].

These challenges illustrate the necessity of all-encompassing and culturally informed care systems that address the distinct challenges faced by elderly, sick, and needy individuals in Lower Saxony.