Hundreds of Neighborhood Care Helpers - Fears of Cuts - Thuringia's Neighborhood Support Services Face Uncertainty in Care Reform
Thuringia's social care system faces uncertainty as discussions on care insurance financing raise concerns about cuts to home depot support. This vital service, which helps hundreds of volunteers care for home-dwelling recipients, could be at risk, according to local officials and insurers.
Home depot support, enabled by a monthly 131 euro relief allowance, funds registered and trained helpers. This service, possible in all care levels, not just level 1, plays a crucial role in keeping people independent at home longer, as emphasized by Minister of Social Affairs Katharina Schenk (SPD).
Schenk criticizes considerations to restrict level 1 services, stressing the importance of home-based care. Insurers like AOK Plus and Barmer support this, with AOK Plus having around 2,100 registered helpers and Barmer having 400. The federal-state working group plans to maintain care levels but review and simplify specific benefits.
The current debate in Erfurt focuses on maintaining home depot support services to ensure community-based care and social integration. With hundreds of volunteers and insurer backing, the future of this service is a key concern in Thuringia's care reform discussions.
