Nursing in danger: close over 1,200 facilities - crisis is pushing up!

Nursing in danger: close over 1,200 facilities - crisis is pushing up!

Deutschland - The care industry in Germany faces an alarming situation. A total of 1,264 care facilities have had to register bankruptcy or have been closed since the beginning of 2022. Association Managing Director Isabell Hal mest warns of the loss of nursing places, although the need is continuously increasing. This affects both fully inpatient facilities and outpatient services that play an important role in German healthcare.

On April 1, 2025, the nursing group applied for bankruptcy for four of its holding companies. In a similar trend, the employers' association of care documented over 800 bankruptcy and closures in geriatric care last year, which further strengthens the concept of the "Heimsternens". President Thomas Greiner emphasizes that the crisis affects all types of facilities and is currently not in sight.

causes of the crisis

The challenges in the care industry are diverse. Argentialism names specific problems such as a shortage of skilled workers, rising operating costs, bureaucratic hurdles and inadequate financing. Minister of Health Karl Lauterbach had announced a nursing reform in autumn, but the plans were not implemented before the traffic light coalition breaks.

A central point is the lack of payment morality of the health insurance companies. According to Halstletz, many care providers do not receive their payments promptly, which leads to a tense financial situation. Social offices often take months to grant their own shares in needy people, which also exacerbates the situation.

tightening by external factors

The problems in the care industry have intensified after the Covid 19 pandemic. Inflation and increased energy costs are enormous. At the same time, the salaries of the employees rose after collective bargaining, while those in need of care have to pay an average of 2,871 euros every month - an amount that overwhelms many and often requires support from the social welfare office.

Especially since January 2023, almost 1,100 care facilities have closed in Germany or reduced their offers. Caritas and Diakonie had already warned of the growing bankruptcies and a potential collapse of inpatient care in 2022. According to a forecast of the Federal Statistical Office, the number of people in need of care will increase by 1.8 million in the next 20 years, which underlines the urgent need for a stable supply structure.

conclusion and outlook

Despite the existing lack of personnel and the actually vacant care beds, new facilities are still being planned and opened. The crowding -out competition on the care market particularly affects the small and medium -sized providers, which are often not able to survive under the given conditions. The future development of the market is largely determined by the demand for home places and the availability of nurses. The industry is faced with challenging times, and urgent measures are required to ensure a nationwide supply. The statement by Greiner that the "nationwide supply crisis" could further tighten itself gives rise to concern.

For more information, read the article by ZVW and Süddeutsche .