Pflegeakt

Pflegeakt, literally meaning “care act,” is a term used in German-language policy discussions to denote a proposed or hypothetical piece of legislation aimed at reforming and strengthening the long-term care framework. It is not the title of a specific, widely enacted law, and as of 2024 there is no federal statute in Germany, Austria, or Switzerland that carries this exact name. Instead, Pflegeakt functions as shorthand in debates about funding, access, quality, and governance of care services, including home care, community-based support, and institutional care.

In Germany, real reforms have been enacted through the Pflegeversicherung (long-term care insurance) and various Pflege-stärkungs- bzw. Pflegestärkungsgesetze within the Social Code (SGB XI). In policy discussions, these reforms are sometimes described as steps toward a broader “Pflegeakt,” representing a consolidated vision for a comprehensive care system that coordinates financing, benefits, and service delivery. The term also appears in academic and media discussions in Austria and Switzerland to frame similar reform ambitions.

Typical objectives associated with a Pflegeakt include ensuring sustainable financing for long-term care, expanding benefits for home and community services, improving care quality and outcomes, strengthening support for informal caregivers, clarifying eligibility and benefit levels, and enhancing governance and oversight. Challenges frequently cited are rising costs, an aging population, workforce shortages, and potential increases in contributions or public spending, alongside concerns about administrative complexity and equity in access.

Related topics include Pflegeversicherung, SGB XI, and the Pflegestärkungsgesetze, which inform ongoing reform debates in German-speaking countries.