Honorable award: Heinz Röhling fights for his Maria!

Honorable award: Heinz Röhling fights for his Maria!

Heinz Röhling from Walpertskirchen has done it: after 18 years of self-sacrificing care of his bedridden wife Maria, he received the Federal Cross of Merit. District Administrator Martin Bayerstorfer presented him with this highest award in the Federal Republic for services to the common good. Röhling provides the care almost alone and has acquired all the necessary knowledge himself. “It's not an easy task, but I want to keep my wife in her familiar environment for as long as possible,” said the 72-year-old proudly, who also had to accept health setbacks himself, including a hip operation in 2014 and a stroke in 2023.

73-year-old Maria Röhling became blind 19 years ago after being diagnosed with cancer and has been unable to leave bed since then. In order to best meet their needs, a physiotherapist comes to the house twice a week. Despite the challenges that come with care, a trusting routine has been established over the years. “I have only had two hospital stays as a holiday in the last 18 years,” reports the dutiful husband. Financial issues prevent the family from seeking external care or nursing home placement, which is a key problem in many similar situations.

Support for caring relatives

The topic of support for caring relatives is also addressed within the framework of statutory nursing care insurance. How healthy.bund.de emphasizes, caring relatives can be legally insured for pensions if they meet certain requirements. This includes that they do not work more than 30 hours per week and have not yet reached regular retirement age. They should also have paid insurance contributions into the pension insurance or have child-rearing periods taken into account.

Caring for family members can often lead to professional restrictions, as can the German pension insurance white. Under certain circumstances, the nursing care funds can pay contributions to pension insurance for the care of people with a care level of 2 or higher. This would be important for Röhling, as he now spends more than 10 hours a week caring for his wife.

Financial challenges and disappointments

Despite the positive aspects and the recognition that Röhling received through the Federal Cross of Merit, there are also challenges. One disappointment was the health insurance company's reduction in the diaper quota, which placed a noticeable burden on Röhling and his wife. This example shows how important it is that caring relatives are well informed about their rights and entitlements in order to improve their own financial situation. In a country like Germany, the costs of care must not be placed on the shoulders of fewer people.

The exchange with other caring relatives, as well as telephone communication with friends, gives Maria Röhling the opportunity to stay in a familiar environment and maintain social contacts. “This is very important for both of us,” emphasizes Heinz Röhling. Despite all the difficulties, they are a well-coordinated team and will continue to overcome the challenges of care together.

Finally, one wonders how many other families in similar situations have to go down this path. It remains to be hoped that the public and politicians will take a closer look at the concerns of caring relatives in order to find solutions that make everyday life easier for these people.