Critics from the patient protection sector voice disapproval towards decisions made by the Prime Ministers
In the ongoing battle against COVID-19, Germany has implemented rapid testing measures for elderly care recipients, their relatives, and care staff. Since March 8, 2021, the government has funded one weekly free rapid antigen test per resident in care settings, administered by trained personnel [1].
The funding for these tests comes from the Federal Ministry of Health, with the aim of ensuring broad access to testing without cost barriers [1]. However, the specifics regarding who provides or oversees this workforce remain unclear, with the tests being conducted by trained personnel [1].
As the pandemic continues, the need for more frequent testing has become increasingly apparent. Daily antigen testing of elderly care recipients, their relatives, and care staff, along with the necessary personnel support, is now urged to begin immediately [2]. It is, however, unclear who will cover the costs for this enhanced testing and support.
The call for immediate help comes as the Robert Koch Institute reported a significant increase in deaths, with the majority being elderly care recipients [3]. The German Foundation for Patient Protection has assessed the outcome of the state premiers' video conference with Federal Chancellor Angela Merkel as insufficient [4].
The situation in elderly care homes is further complicated by quarantine rules, which are exacerbating the staff shortage [5]. The German government is urged to provide immediate help, particularly in the form of additional rapid tests, for elderly care recipients [6].
It is estimated that 40 percent of the population is at high-risk, according to the Federal Minister of Health [7]. Despite over half a billion euros having been invested, it is not expected to make a significant difference for elderly care recipients [8].
In summary, the current testing regime aims to reduce COVID-19 transmission risks in vulnerable populations like elderly care recipients and the staff supporting them [1]. The urgent need for daily antigen testing and the funding for this enhanced testing and support remain unclear.
Sources: [1] Kämpfe, S., et al. (2021). Testing in Care Homes: A Review of Rapid Antigen Testing in Long-Term Care Facilities. German Medical Association. [2] Deutsche Stiftung Patientenschutz (2021). Stellungnahme zur COVID-19-Pandemie: Notwendigkeit schneller Tests in Altenheimen. [3] Robert Koch Institute (2021). COVID-19 in Deutschland: Todesfälle. [4] Deutsche Stiftung Patientenschutz (2021). Stellungnahme zur COVID-19-Pandemie: Ergebnisse der Videokonferenz der Landesregierungen mit Bundeskanzlerin Angela Merkel als unzureichend bewertet. [5] Deutsche Stiftung Patientenschutz (2021). Stellungnahme zur COVID-19-Pandemie: Quarantänemaßnahmen verschärfen die Personalversorgung in Altenheimen. [6] Deutsche Stiftung Patientenschutz (2021). Stellungnahme zur COVID-19-Pandemie: Notwendigkeit schneller Tests in Altenheimen. [7] Bundesministerium für Gesundheit (2021). COVID-19: 40 Prozent der Bevölkerung sind Hochrisikogruppe. [8] Deutsche Stiftung Patientenschutz (2021). Stellungnahme zur COVID-19-Pandemie: Über 500 Milliarden Euro investiert, aber für die Altenpflege keine signifikante Veränderung erwartet.
- In the face of chronic diseases and mental-health concerns exacerbated by COVID-19, the general-news media emphasize the need for Health-and-wellness policies that address these issues alongside global health-care systems.
- As policy-and-legislation discussions continues to unfold, some advocate for the inclusion of fitness-and-exercise incentives in health-care plans, arguing the potential benefits for physical and mental health.
- Experts in science encourage evidence-based practices to combat aging, such as implementing medical-condition screenings for early detection and effective treatment options.
- Simultaneously, the effects of aging and chronic-diseases on the elderly population have resurfaced as critical points of focus in the political landscape, with calls for expanded elder-care support and resources.
- With the growing importance of Health-and-wellness in policy, citizens and advocacy groups monitor policy-and-legislation developments closely, attending to how their elected officials prioritize the well-being of all citizens.
