Hesse's nursing heroes: nursing medal for five exceptional citizens!

Hesse's nursing heroes: nursing medal for five exceptional citizens!

A big thank you to those people who care for their relatives free of charge was expressed today in Wiesbaden, Hesse. Family Minister Diana Stolz ceremoniously presented the nursing medal of the state of Hesse to five deserving citizens. This award is a real appreciation for the tireless effort and commitment that family carers show every day to support people who are sick, disabled or in need of care in their own homes. Stolz emphasized that the honorees represent the hundreds of thousands who do similar things.

Recent statistics show that over 86 percent of those in need of care are cared for at home. But this is often anything but easy. The everyday life of these helpers can be very challenging and requires a lot of strength, energy and courage. Stolz therefore also called for special relief for the caring relatives, who often bear the main burden of care. The Hessian government has already set up care bases in all districts that offer support and advice. This is a step to help burdened families who enable their relatives to stay at home despite the need for care.

Honorable laureates

This year the following five citizens were honored with the Nursing Medal:

• Eckhard Wolfgang Viehöver (Rheingau-Taunus-Kreis)
• Piroska Marta Ritter (Frankfurt am Main)
• Lilli Leandra Blumann (Landkreis Bergstraße)
• Dorothea Magdalena Bäcker (Landkreis Limburg-Weilburg)
• Alinda Elisabeth Bauer (Main-Kinzig-Kreis)

These willing helpers not only care for their loved ones, but often also find a good hand in overcoming life's challenges. The Care Medal has been awarded annually since 2004 and honors people who have cared for someone in need of care without payment for at least five years.

Support offers

Especially in times when the need for care is increasing, it is important to find the right support offer. Anyone who has a nursing degree may need support from relatives or professional nursing staff. It should be noted that almost the majority of those in need of care rely on the help of relatives and volunteers. Relatives who provide care for at least ten hours per week can register for nursing care insurance. This means they receive social security and even additional pension points.

Support comes not only from family members, but also from professional nursing staff who come to the home as part of outpatient services. These care services are often financed by care benefits in kind. But be careful: From care level 2 onwards, there are subsidies from the care insurance company, even if these often do not cover all costs. Many people in need of care have to pay their own contribution.

In the case of short-term care, which may be necessary after a hospital stay or in the event of the absence of the caring relatives, the nursing care fund also pays an annual fixed amount. This ensures that those in need of care are not alone if something comes up.

In summary, it shows how important it is not only to recognize the work of caring relatives, but also to actively support them. The challenges are great, and without the commitment of people like those honored today, the nursing sector would hardly be sustainable.

For further information, such as reading more about supporting caring relatives, take a look healthy.bund.de over.