- "Agathe" against loneliness in old age also in the district of Gotha
The "Agathe" program for protecting elderly people from loneliness is now being implemented in the district of Gotha. This means that there are now offers for elderly people living alone in a total of 17 out of 22 districts and independent cities in Thuringia. The program aims to enable women and men to live independently in their own homes for as long as possible. The state is providing 3.8 million euros for this purpose this year.
Since 2021, specially trained professionals in the "Agathe" program have been providing practical support for the daily lives of elderly people. They inform them about existing offers, organize trips to the doctor, help with filling out applications, for example for nursing care insurance, and listen to them. Last year, "Agathe" professionals made around 9,500 home visits, according to earlier ministry figures.
Rising funds and uncertainty after the election
Since the program started three years ago, state funds for it have been continuously increasing: last year, 2.6 million euros were provided from the state budget. It is unclear how the program will continue after the election. According to a ministry spokeswoman, the state funds for it have to be applied for every year as part of the budget negotiations. The decision lies ultimately with the state parliament. New elections for the Thuringian state parliament will take place on September 1.
Despite the increasing funding for the "Agathe" program, the uncertainty surrounding the election might impact its continuation. Loneliness among elderly individuals living alone remains a pressing concern, making the preservation of this program crucial for addressing this issue.
