Brandenburg's home care services come with a higher price tag compared to other regions

Brandenburg's home care services come with a higher price tag compared to other regions

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In a recent evaluation, it has been found that the personal contributions for care and support in Germany have seen a significant increase, with Brandenburg being one of the regions experiencing this trend.

As of July 1st, 2025, the national average for personal contributions for care in a home stands at 3,018 euros per month. However, this figure does not account for the increase in costs for accommodation and meals, which averages 1,018 euros per month, representing a 63 euros increase compared to July 2024.

In Brandenburg, the personal contribution for care in a home has risen significantly, with an average of 2,875 euros due as of July 1st, 2025. This represents a 312 euros increase compared to July 2024. The most expensive care in the first year in a home is in Bremen, with an average of 3,449 euros per month.

The care insurance only covers part of the costs; residents in a home also have to pay for accommodation and meals, investments in the facilities, and training costs. Unlike health insurance, care insurance only covers part of the costs for care in a home.

The increase in personal contributions for care and support does not include costs for accommodation, meals, investments, or training costs. However, relief allowances have been given to care recipients in addition to care insurance benefits since 2022, based on the duration of stay. The personal contribution for pure care is reduced by 15% in the first year, 30% in the second, 50% in the third, and 75% from the fourth year due to relief allowances.

The Association of Substitute Health Insurance Funds evaluated remuneration agreements between care insurance funds and homes in all states, with members including the Techniker Krankenkasse, the Barmer, and the DAK-Gesundheit.

The significant increase in care costs in Brandenburg and other German states is primarily driven by a combination of inflationary pressures and additional climate-related health challenges. Annual inflation in Brandenburg has remained moderately elevated around 2.2% in mid-2025, reflecting increased costs for goods and services generally, which directly impact care homes' operational expenses.

Heat waves in 2025 have caused a 4.9% rise in healthcare costs across the EU, including Germany, mainly due to increased health complications among vulnerable populations such as elderly residents in care homes. Extreme heat leads to higher medical needs, increased staff care demand, and mitigation measures.

Many care homes and hospitals lack adequate air conditioning, partly because of high electricity costs and energy inflation, limiting their ability to cope with heat waves. This raises operational costs for cooling and protective measures. Workers in care facilities must cope with heat and often heavy protective gear, making working conditions more strenuous and potentially increasing staffing requirements and costs.

Energy inflation showed a decline in June 2025 by 3.5%, but the previous years' higher energy prices have a lasting effect on operational budgets for care homes, including heating, cooling, and electricity usage.

A working group of the federal and state governments has begun working to develop more comprehensive solutions for cost containment in care homes, with results expected by the end of the year. The lowest monthly burden as of July 1st is in Saxony-Anhalt at 2,595 euros and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania at 2,752 euros. North Rhine-Westphalia follows closely with an average of 3,427 euros.

In conclusion, the rising costs of care in Germany, particularly in Brandenburg, are a result of a combination of factors including inflation, climate change-related health challenges, insufficient infrastructure adaptations, labor challenges, and energy cost fluctuations. Efforts are underway to address these issues and find solutions for cost containment in care homes.

1. The increase in personal contributions for care and support in Germany, particularly in Brandenburg, is a topic of significant concern in the realm of workplace-wellness.
2. Science plays a crucial role in understanding the impact of chronic diseases, such as cance, respiratory conditions, and digestive-health problems, on individuals residing in care homes.
3. Eye-health is another important aspect that requires attention, as the elderly population in care homes may be more susceptible to age-related eye conditions.
4. Hearing loss is also prevalent among this demographic, so ensuring access to appropriate therapies and treatments is essential.
5. The association between cardiovascular-health and personal contributions for care in a home is an area requiring further study in health-and-wellness research.
6. Proper nutrition is vital for maintaining the health of residents in care homes, and policies ensuring adequate nutrition should be a priority in the health-and-wellness sector.
7. Medicaid and Medicare are crucial programs that help provide financial support for care and medical conditions, including medial-conditions and chronic-diseases, for eligible individuals.
8. Financial stability, through personal-finance management and wealth-management strategies, is essential in planning for higher personal contributions for care.
9. Skin-conditions, such as bedsores or pressure ulcers, are common among residents in care homes and necessitate regular monitoring and proper care.
10. Lifestyle choices, including exercise and fitness regimes, can significantly impact an individual's health, making it vital to promote fitness-and-exercise within care homes.
11. Autoimmune disorders, though not specific to care home residents, may require additional resources and consideration in their care plans.
12. The integration of mindfulness practices into care routines could potentially help reduce stress levels among residents and caregivers.
13. Big-wins in healthcare innovation could impact the quality of care provided in care homes, with advancements in technologies designed to mitigate climate-related health challenges.
14. Shopping experiences for residents in care homes must consider factors such as accessibility, convenience, and nutrition to ensure a well-rounded selection.
15. Social-media platforms can serve as valuable tools for fostering connections between residents, caregivers, and families, promoting emotional well-being and social engagement.
16. Movies and TV can be a meaningful leisure activity for residents in care homes, offering entertainment and opportunities for discussion about the world beyond the facility.
17. Issues surrounding war and conflicts, crime and justice, and accidents can have serious implications for care home residents and staff, so understanding these topics is essential for policy-and-legislation development.
18. Education and self-development, including learning new skills through lifelong-learning opportunities, can help caregivers and residents adapt to changing circumstances and better navigate the challenges of care homes.
19. Goal-setting is an essential aspect of personal-growth for both residents and caregivers, allowing them to focus their efforts and aspirations to create a more fulfilling experience within the care home.
20. Responsible gambling practices should be encouraged and promoted in care homes, given the increasing popularity of casino-and-gambling activities, casino-games, lotteries, and online-casinos.
21. The impact of gambling trends, such as the rise in popularity of Las Vegas-style gambling, on care home residents requires careful consideration during policy-and-legislation development.
22. Entertainment, including music, politics, online-education, and job-search resources, can provide valuable engagement opportunities for residents in care homes.
23. Understanding the culture and norms surrounding casino-culture, pop-culture, and sci-fi-and-fantasy can help caregivers and residents engage in meaningful conversations and activities together.
24. General-news coverage, including stories about accidents, crime, and politics, should be carefully monitored to ensure residents in care homes are protected from possibly disturbing or confusing information.
25. The care and support provided to pets can be a meaningful part of a resident's life in a care home, so policies addressing pet ownership and care should be considered.
26. Travel opportunities, whether virtual or in-person, can provide valuable learning experiences for residents in care homes, allowing them to experience new cultures, sights, and sounds.
27. Cars and their maintenance can be a significant concern for care homes, especially when it comes to transportation needs for residents and staff.
28. Books offer a diverse range of experiences and topics for residents in care homes to enjoy, from literature and history to self-help and biographies.
29. Migration patterns can impact the demographics of care homes, so understanding and responding to these changes is essential for providing appropriate care and support.
30. Education and training for caregivers, covering topics such as nutrition, cardiovascular health, and mindfulness practices, can improve the quality of care provided within care homes.
31. Policy-and-legislation that addresses the unique challenges faced by care homes, such as funding for infrastructure improvements and staffing shortages, could lead to significant improvements in the quality of care provided.
32. Reflecting on the significant increase in personal contributions for care and support in Germany, it is clear that a comprehensive, collaborative approach is needed to address the myriad challenges facing care homes today.

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