welt.de
Thuringia Nursing Home Costs Surge to Nearly €3,000 Monthly
Monthly personal payments for nursing home care in Thuringia, Germany, reached nearly €3,000 in July 2025, exceeding the national average of €3,108 and highlighting the financial strain on residents, especially pensioners whose average monthly pension is €1,491.
- What factors contribute to the increasing cost of nursing home care in Thuringia, and what is the role of government subsidies?
- The increase in personal payments reflects the rising costs of nursing home care, including expenses for nursing, accommodation, food, and investments. While the nursing insurance covers some expenses, a significant portion remains the responsibility of residents. This burden disproportionately affects those with lower incomes, like pensioners whose monthly income frequently falls short of the required payments.
- What is the current financial burden on individuals entering nursing homes in Thuringia, and how does it compare to national and regional averages?
- In Thuringia, Germany, monthly personal payments for nursing home care have risen to nearly €3,000 in the first year, up from €2,649 in July 2024. This surpasses the national average of €3,108 and is higher than other eastern German states but lower than western states. The average monthly pension is only €1,491, making it difficult for many to afford these costs.
- What policy adjustments might address the growing disparity between pension income and the rising costs of nursing home care in Thuringia and Germany?
- The growing disparity between pension income and nursing home costs highlights a critical need for policy reform. Future solutions may involve increased government subsidies, pension adjustments, or alternative care models to alleviate the financial burden on residents. The current system leaves many pensioners struggling to cover the substantial costs of care.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article frames the rising costs of nursing home care in Thuringia negatively by emphasizing the substantial financial burden on residents. The headline and opening sentence immediately highlight the increase, and the inclusion of the comparison with average pension income reinforces the hardship. While presenting the facts, the framing choice heavily emphasizes the negative financial impact, potentially overshadowing other relevant aspects.
Language Bias
The language used is largely neutral, though phrases such as "ungebremst" (unabated) and descriptions of the costs as a significant burden create a somewhat negative tone. More neutral alternatives could include 'steadily increasing' instead of 'ungebremst', and instead of focusing solely on the cost as a burden, the article could also discuss potential solutions or support systems.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses on the rising costs of nursing home care in Thuringia and compares them to other states. However, it omits discussion of potential contributing factors to the cost increase, such as inflation, increased staff wages (or lack thereof), or changes in government regulations. Additionally, the article doesn't explore the availability of financial assistance programs for residents needing help with these costs beyond mentioning the Entlastungszuschläge. While acknowledging space constraints is important, including a brief mention of these factors would improve the article's comprehensiveness.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a somewhat false dichotomy by contrasting the cost of care in Thuringia with other East and West German states. While the comparison offers context, it simplifies the reality of regional variations within each state. The article doesn't explore the wide range of costs within Thuringia itself. This creates a potentially misleading impression of uniformity across the state.
Sustainable Development Goals
The rising costs of long-term care in Thuringia, Germany, disproportionately affect older adults and those with lower incomes, potentially pushing them further into poverty. The article highlights that the average monthly pension is significantly lower than the required personal contribution for nursing home care, implying that many individuals may struggle to meet these costs, exacerbating existing inequalities and increasing the risk of poverty.