Lack of staff in care facilities raises concerns.
The current scenario in nursing homes is alarming, according to nursing associations and patient advocates. The staff shortage is already severe, with numbers potentially worsening in the future if no action is taken.
Care associations and patient advocates are concerned about the escalating staff shortage in care homes. President of the German Nursing Council, Christine Vogler, reported this concern to several German newspapers, Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland (RND). There is a shortage of approximately 115,000 full-time caregivers in long-term facilities. The number of individuals requiring care is increasing, leading to even more dire circumstances.
Vogler emphasized the severity of the problem by stating, "Nursing care in Germany is no longer guaranteed in many places." She added that this predicament can be witnessed in the high number of illnesses afflicting the staff. She claims the care system is deteriorating and trust in it is dwindling.
Eugen Brysch, Chair of the German Patient Protection Foundation, expressed his concern for the patients and the high number of unreported instances of caregiving bottlenecks. He said, "Sadly, nursing home residents are vulnerable to neglect. Most individuals quietly tolerate and endure this infringement of their dignity without any complaints."
Verena Bentele, President of the VdK, shared similar concerns. She noted, "The core issue in full inpatient care is the lack of staff: a lack of staff leads to frustration, overwork, and sick days. And ultimately to even fewer caregivers since many of them quit their jobs."
Proposed Solutions
The associations demand better pay and working conditions for nursing staff. Bentele suggested, "We must blur the lines between inpatient and outpatient care: We need to provide and expand alternative living and care options."
Vogler supported this idea and also advocated for "a reorganization of competencies within the healthcare professions." She urged investment in education, building a flexible educational system, establishing safe and health-preserving working conditions, utilizing technology, and reducing unnecessary bureaucracy.
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In light of the ongoing staff shortage in care facilities, care associations and patient advocates are urging for improved wages and working conditions for nursing staff. President of the German Nursing Council, Christine Vogler, proposed a reorganization of competencies within the healthcare professions, emphasizing the need for investment in education, safe working conditions, technology utilization, and reduced bureaucracy to improve the care system.
Source: www.ntv.de
