Future of care: Important discussion in Torgelow about the reform on November 19th!

Future of care: Important discussion in Torgelow about the reform on November 19th!

Next week, Torgelow will be the stage for a meaningful discussion about the future of care. On Wednesday, November 19th, the Friedrich Ebert Foundation an informative event in the Haus an der Schleuse, which will not only focus on the current challenges of long-term care insurance, but also the possible abolition of care level 1. The event starts at 6 p.m. and admission is free.

Social Minister Stefanie Drese (SPD) will take part in the discussion and talk about concepts for future-proof care design. She receives support from other interlocutors such as Daniel Taprogge from the German Federation of Trade Unions North, Professor Harald Seider from the Neubrandenburg University of Applied Sciences and Ramona Wehlke, works councilor at the Vitanas Senior Citizens Center. The discussion is expected to begin at 6:45 p.m. and will address key questions such as the effects of planned reforms on the quality and costs of care as well as the promotion of young professionals.

Political reform initiatives in the nursing sector

The event in Torgelow comes at a time when nursing care insurance in Germany is facing significant challenges. The Future pact for care is currently being developed as an important political instrument to secure long-term care insurance. A federal-state working group is working on reform guidelines that affect financing as well as structure, services and personnel.

Demographic developments are leading to a sharp increase in the number of people in need of care. Experts are already warning of an impending financial deficit in nursing care funds, which, according to the Federal Audit Office, could reach a gap of 12.3 billion euros by 2029. Against this background, measures such as the introduction of a tax-financed supplementary system or moderate increases in contributions are already being discussed.

Necessary changes

In addition to the reform of nursing care insurance, concrete measures are also being discussed to make the nursing profession more attractive. This includes, among other things, the expansion of further training offerings and the simplification of the application processes for care services through digital systems. The aim is to improve coordination between outpatient and inpatient care and reduce bureaucracy.

Health Minister Nina Warken has also announced that without additional funds there may be an increase in contributions in January 2026. Associations and unions urgently warn against further burdens for those in need of care and their relatives. Diakonie Deutschland calls, among other things, for full care insurance with a limited co-payment and strengthens the demands for a fairer financial contribution from the federal and state governments to the care costs.

Given all these factors, the session in Torgelow is sure to raise many important questions and hopefully promote the dialogue that is necessary to future-proof care in Germany.

Anyone interested in taking part in the discussion can register via the FES website or by email or telephone (0385 512596). Be there when it comes to the future of care!