Tracing the evolution of elderly care in Germany
The elderly population, a growing sector in Europe, is commonly at risk of marginalisation within society. In order to help improve the well-being of this population, the CARMA project undertook a combined effort which involved academic research institutions, social service providers and educational institutions. As such, current social care services for the elderly were assessed in studies spanning coping skills and care arrangements. The findings which resulted from this collaboration included the documentation of services for reintegrating the elderly in Germany. This report offers a summary of the way in which home-based, semi-residential and residential care facilities have evolved since long-term care insurance was introduced. Furthermore it exhibits available social care and counselling founded by municipalities. Although it was found that various types of health care facilities were expanded and modernised, problems were still present. One example of this regards access to various types of formal care, particularly for members in lower socio-economic classes. There is also regional disparity since the service offered is less developed in poor regions and in rural areas. Furthermore, there is a lack of adequate service for elderly patients suffering from psychological difficulties and mental illnesses such as dementia. Although the report gives vast information on types of care services and facilities in Germany, it can also be applied by national as well as international researchers concerned with elderly care. Additionally, the report is useful for social politicians and experts involved in care insurance, not only in Germany but in other European countries as well.
