Neighborhood Help Grows in Saxony-Anhalt - How 4,000 Volunteers in Saxony-Anhalt Are Transforming Elderly Care Through Community Support

Over 4,000 people in Saxony-Anhalt have signed up as neighbourhood helpers, offering support with daily tasks for those in need. The initiative, which began in 2023, has seen a sharp rise in demand, with users growing from 299 to 1,814 in just two years. Volunteers assist with errands, household chores, and companionship—but medical care remains strictly off-limits.

The programme connects volunteers with elderly or care-dependent individuals, aiming to ease their daily lives. Kerstin Kränzel, a 60-year-old participant, regularly accompanies an older woman on shopping trips to help her stay socially engaged. Many helpers, like Kränzel, are women—70% of volunteers are female, often retirees or nearing retirement age.

Training has expanded to meet demand, with 97 sessions planned this year. Each 45-minute briefing clarifies what volunteers can and cannot do, ensuring tasks stay within safe boundaries. Despite the growing interest, stigma still prevents some from seeking help, even when eligible for support. Financial incentives exist, too. Long-term care insurance can cover up to €131 per month for neighbourhood assistance, yet only 56.7% of those entitled actually claim the relief allowance. While the concept is officially recognised in Brandenburg, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, and Saxony, no nationwide figures track how many helpers are active across Germany.

The surge in volunteers and users highlights the programme's impact, particularly in fostering community bonds. With more training sessions and increasing participation, neighbourhood helpers are filling gaps in care—without replacing professional services. Still, barriers like stigma and underused funding remain challenges for wider adoption.