In a study commissioned by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy GWS and 2hm analysed the past and future structure of the German care market. Considering the development of the care market until 2030, areas with the need for action are identified and policy measures suitable to solve the coming challenges are proposed. Regional factors, such as disparities and similarities, are also considered.

One main result is, that – under the given circumstances – the increase in care homes is lower than the growing number of people in the need of care in those homes. Until 2030 the supply gap amounts to 160,000 places in care homes.

As a solution there are several policy options available, e.g. “more transparency for less misallocation”, “higher planning reliability”, “promotion of (local) investment in construction”, avoidance of regional shortage by involvement of public authorities”, “support by digital and technical devices” or “upgrading of the nursing profession”. Monitoring the efficiency and effects of the political instruments is important in order to evaluate the success of a measure and to identify new undesirable developments.

The summary of the study is available here (in German language only).