Home care in Aalen: challenges and opportunities for relatives

Home care in Aalen: challenges and opportunities for relatives

An exciting event recently took place in Aalen that dealt with the challenges of caring for relatives at home. The book author and social educator Birgit Lambers spoke to over 120 participants in the meeting room of the Aalen district office and intensively examined the current topics surrounding those in need of care and their support from relatives. The event was organized by the District Seniors' Council and thus set an important example in the community, where, according to Schwäbische Post around 70% of those in need of care only be cared for by family members.

Times are changing, and this is especially true when it comes to nursing. While caring for older people was once considered a duty within the family, today it is a challenge to combine care and one's own life. This affects many families, especially in times of increasing life expectancy and the increase in dementia. The intergenerational contract, in which parents care for their children and are looked after by the children as they grow older, is also increasingly being put to the test. Many children now live far away from their parents, which further complicates the situation.

Burdens on carers

The burdens on caring relatives are diverse. 70% of caregivers report severe time pressure, and almost half of them are reaching their physical limits. Financial challenges are making matters worse, as Lambers explained. The care itself often shifts to the personal and financial resources of relatives, which puts a great strain on many. On gesund.bund.de it is emphasized that the emotional and physical support that relatives provide represents an immense challenge for both the person in need of care and the carers.

How do nurses deal with these challenges? Lambers gave listeners valuable tips on self-care and stress management. Important strategies include, among other things, accepting powerlessness, changing perspective and acting with compassion instead of pity. In addition, every carer should take responsibility for themselves and set their own boundaries. Friendships and conversations about your own experiences can also have a relieving effect.

Support options and aids

Support for caring relatives is another important point. There are various resources available when looking for the right help. There are many options, from financial assistance such as care allowance and relief payments to practical assistance such as stair lifts, nursing beds or patient lifts, which are often covered by health insurance companies. According to Pflegehilfe, women and men can take care leave or family care leave to look after their relatives, and professional advice centers offer valuable support.

Additional help includes transportation services and family initiatives, which can reduce the pressure of care. It's worth taking a close look at the different care models - from hourly care to 24-hour care - in order to find the best solution for your individual situation.

Overall, the lecture in Aalen confirmed the great commitment and invaluable services of caring relatives and at the same time offered practical support and suggestions to get the growing challenges under control.