Care is largely organized privately
Only 14 percent of people in need of care in Germany are currently cared for in a professional care facility, while 86 percent are cared for in private households. How is this “informal care” organized?
The “Life in Germany” study shows that informal care is more often provided outside the home than within it, and close to the caregiver’s place of residence. As a rule, care is provided by relatives and friends. In most cases, women are the primary caregivers.
People who care for someone outside their household are on average 54 years old, employed, and have a slightly higher level of education than those who provide care within their own household. The latter are often older people who care for their partners at home.
It is foreseeable that the number of people in need of care will continue to rise – at the same time, the care sector is not keeping pace with this increase. In addition, the many informal carers are more often exposed to high financial burdens than people without care responsibilities.