Germany is considering bolstering oversight of individuals receiving long-term care at home, particularly those supported by family members, to ensure adequate standards of care are consistently met. The German Association of Caregivers (Biva) is advocating for independent, unbiased inspections to address concerns about potential neglect and the appropriate use of allocated funding.
Speaking to public broadcaster MDR, Biva legal counsel Ulrike Kempchen highlighted the need for greater transparency, noting instances where vulnerable individuals have been found in conditions suggesting inadequate care. While care funds are provided monthly to support these individuals, there are concerns that the money isn’t always directly benefiting the person requiring care.
Kempchen argues that current systems lack sufficient impartial checks. While existing care services routinely conduct consultation visits, these are potentially compromised by a vested interest in taking over care responsibilities from family members. Biva proposes deploying neutral, independent assessors to objectively evaluate the well-being of individuals receiving in-home care and verify that resources are being properly utilized to meet their needs. This initiative aims to ensure accountability and safeguard the welfare of vulnerable populations relying on familial care networks.