Current situation of German care homes.

Aim.  The aim of this paper is to explore the situation of and current developments in the German care home sector. Background.  Germany, like other Western countries, faces demographic change and subsequently tries to develop structures and processes to achieve a care system which can tackle the increasing number of people in need of care with a variety of quality services. Policy strives to set up structures and instruments to enhance the quality of service provision. Discussion.  Figures show that the structures in the care sector are changing in favour to increased privatization of homes, a slight increase in size and improved building structures. In order to tackle the expected changes, a mix of low and high skilled qualification and new job profiles arise in the care sector. Other changes to be observed are the development of new living arrangements and the utilization of new technologies to support the care process. Conclusion.  This contribution looks at the socio-demographic changes in care, the statutory developments and the structures of care homes as well as current discussions on future developments.