The Arbeiter-Samariter-Bund (ASB) Deutschland is advocating for a revised system of financial support for family caregivers, proposing what they term “Pflegegeld 2.0”. According to ASB national managing director Uwe Martin Fichtmüller, direct payments to caregivers are essential, particularly when they reduce their working hours to provide care.
The suggested amount of this caregiver benefit should mirror that of parental allowance (“Elterngeld”), recognizing that the level of commitment required for caring for a young child is comparable to that needed for an elderly, dependent family member.
Beyond direct financial assistance, Fichtmüller also champions the introduction of a comprehensive long-term care insurance scheme modeled on the existing healthcare system. He highlighted the growing financial burden on individuals facing significant care-related expenses – upwards of €3,000 – with average pensions often falling significantly below this threshold (€1,300 for women and €1,440 for men). He acknowledges that such a system would require phased implementation.
A proposed “base-peak swap” (Sockel-Spitze-Tausch) – reversing the current subsidy structure and imposing a capped contribution from those receiving care – is also suggested, with a proposed upper limit of €700 for those requiring care. Alongside this, ASB calls for the elimination of non-insurance-related costs from the existing care insurance fund, including expenses related to caregiver training and retirement credits. The organization emphasizes that the state should bear the costs of the care it mandates. To facilitate necessary funding, Fichtmüller suggests raising the contribution base across all three insurance sectors.
Looking back, Fichtmüller characterized the introduction of the current care insurance system as a significant misstep, citing its detrimental impact on regional infrastructure planning and the end of municipal senior care planning. He advocates for re-engaging local authorities, dissolving the current contractual obligations and aligning care provision with regional infrastructure plans. This would involve allowing only those facilities and services already incorporated into the regional plan. Furthermore, he calls for a reduction in bureaucratic hurdles and increased involvement from community organizations in providing care.