Bavaria's Health Minister Judith Gerlach wants to relieve the burden on caring relatives

Bavaria's Health Minister Judith Gerlach wants to further relieve the burden on caring relatives. “Many people want to remain in their familiar surroundings despite the need for care. This wish can often be fulfilled through the commitment of relatives,” said Gerlach on the occasion of Caring Relatives Day (September 8th). However, the burden is often great - which is why there are a variety of support offers in Bavaria.

According to the ministry, around 83 percent of the approximately 630,000 people in need of care in Bavaria are cared for at home. In order to relieve the burden on caring relatives, there is, for example, the “Care in the Social Area” funding program for the expansion of short-term, day and night care places. Since the program began in 2020, 10,471 care places in Bavaria - including short-term, day and night care places - have been funded with a total of 486.6 million euros.

59 care bases in Bavaria

According to the minister, caring relatives should not be left alone if they have questions or concerns. That's why, among other things, care bases would be supported. There are now 59 such contact points across Bavaria where interested parties can get information about care free of charge. There are also special help on the topic of dementia and around 3,860 recognized offers to strengthen home care and relieve the burden on caring relatives.

With a view to the federal government's current reform plans, Gerlach emphasized: "A positive approach, for example, is the plan to support those in need of care and their relatives through greater professional support." It is also important to create better bridging options for unforeseen situations.

“It is also good that the new Federal Health Minister Carsten Linnemann wants to forego the previously planned savings in pension entitlements for caring relatives,” said Gerlach. Bavaria has worked intensively to correct the federal government's reform plans.