Care support points in Thuringia to be expanded - Thuringia boosts long-term care with expanded advice centres and incentives

Thuringia is expanding its care support services to meet growing demand. Currently, 193,000 people in the state require long-term care, with most receiving help at home. The government now plans to widen access to advice centres and boost short-term care options.

As of late 2023, nine Pflegestützpunkte (care advice centres) operated across Thuringia's districts and independent cities. These hubs offer guidance on long-term care insurance and available support. Yet the state aims to extend the network so every district has its own centre.

To further strengthen care, Thuringia will introduce financial incentives for additional short-term care placements. This move comes alongside a revision of the state ordinance for informal 'neighbourhood helpers'. By the end of 2025, around 3,000 of these volunteers were registered to assist with daily care tasks.

The expansion forms part of the broader Thuringia Plan for rural development. Most long-term care recipients in the region currently rely on family members or outpatient services rather than residential facilities.

The changes will increase support for both carers and those needing assistance. More advice centres and short-term care options aim to ease pressure on families and outpatient services. The revised rules for neighbourhood helpers are also set to improve local care networks.