Relief for caring relatives: New offers presented in Erfurt!

Relief for caring relatives: New offers presented in Erfurt!

Relatives are increasingly faced with the challenge of caring for their loved ones. This can be a huge burden not only physically, but also emotionally and time-wise. Today, June 17, 2025, it is pointed out that although these burdens are known, numerous support offers are not being used adequately. The city of Erfurt reports that, despite available advice and training programs as well as relief services, many caring relatives are not sufficiently informed to take advantage of this help. Anke Penner, the project initiator of the Erfurt “Nursing Companion” site, emphasizes that it is important to develop targeted support offers that specifically address the needs of different groups of caring relatives. The concern is being pursued further as part of the “Mentally fit in Erfurt” event series, in cooperation with the Erfurt Health Department.

But what specific support can be offered to caring relatives? Access to various types of help is crucial for providing individual and needs-based care for people in need of care. In addition to emotional support, financial, nursing and legal help is also important. An often helpful instrument is the care allowance, which represents government support to cover care-related costs. Many carers are not aware of the various options, such as family hospice leave, which make it possible to accompany seriously ill relatives without losing their job.

Concrete relief offers for relatives

Support offers are diverse and range from home visits by nursing professionals to ensure quality in home care to special courses and training for caring parents and children. The mobile social services not only offer visiting services, but also food delivery services and home help. Day centers also provide comprehensive care options for seniors. Access to these services can be provided via the nursing care insurance fund or local nursing bases.

• Hauswirtschaftliche Hilfe: Reinigung, Wäschepflege, Einkaufen und Kochen durch Angehörige, Freunde oder professionelle Dienste.
• Behandlungspflege: Medikamenteneinnahme, Anlegen von Hilfsmitteln und Wundversorgung, zumeist durch ambulante Pflegedienste abgedeckt.
• Unterstützung bei der Körperpflege: Hilfe beim Duschen, Ankleiden und Toilettengängen sowie Fahrdienste zu Arztterminen, alles von der Krankenkasse unterstützbar.

Offers for flat-rate help in everyday life are also particularly important. Relatives must know that they are entitled to short-term care or respite care if they urgently need time off. The planned changes from July 1, 2025 set a common annual amount for preventive and short-term care of a maximum of 3,539 euros, which should be a noticeable relief for many families.

Law and care

Another aspect that should not be neglected is legal advice for caring relatives. The patient advocates are available to provide support and help with questions about patient rights. In addition, adult protection law covers important points should difficulties arise in the decision-making process. Admire the possibilities that Electronic Health Record (ELGA) offers, as it enables relatives to gain insight into their loved ones' health data at any time.

It is essential that family caregivers receive the support they deserve. This is the only way care can be guaranteed in dignity and safety. The information platform pflege.gv.at provides a lot of further information and is a good starting point for all questions about care.

Anyone who would like to take part in the upcoming events should register immediately via events.bibliothek@erfurt.de or by phone at 0361 655-1590. Participation is free and everyone is welcome to find out more about support options in care.