Abstract
After almost 20 years of reform discussions in Germany, a new political regulation came into force on 1 January 1995, in order to substantiate requiring care—elderly primary care (Pflegeversicherung). The demographic development in Germany represents one point of reference for considerations on how to finance and legally regulate such a validation.
The number of persons requiring care at all ages in Germany is estimated to have presently reached about 1.65 million. Thus, as far as the general population is concerned, requiring care does not represent a serious risk. However, with growing age the need for care does become a “typical” situation in life: about ten per cent of persons aged over 65 were in need of care in 1993, and one third of those aged over 80.
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