Pflegestärkungsgesetz

The Pflegestärkungsgesetz (Care Strengthening Act) is a series of legislative reforms in Germany aimed at improving the care system for elderly and disabled individuals. Introduced in stages between 2015 and 2017, the law was designed to address growing challenges in long-term care, including an aging population and rising demand for support services.

The first stage, enacted in 2015, introduced a new assessment system for care needs, replacing the previous five-tier scale with a more nuanced, points-based model. This change was intended to better reflect individual care requirements and reduce bureaucratic complexity. The law also expanded financial support for informal caregivers, such as family members, by introducing a new care allowance (Pflegegeld) and increasing reimbursements for care services.

The second stage, implemented in 2016, focused on strengthening home care and community-based support. It introduced a new care grade (Pflegestufe 4) for individuals with severe disabilities and expanded access to short-term respite care. Additionally, it improved funding for nursing services and introduced a new care allowance for those requiring substantial assistance.

The third stage, passed in 2017, further enhanced the care system by increasing financial resources for nursing homes and introducing a new care grade (Pflegestufe 5) for individuals with the highest level of dependency. It also expanded the range of services covered by care insurance, including additional support for dementia patients and improved access to rehabilitation services.

The Pflegestärkungsgesetz aimed to ensure better quality of care, greater financial security for care recipients, and reduced burden on informal caregivers. While the reforms have been widely discussed, their long-term effectiveness continues to be evaluated as the German care system evolves.