New German app eases burden for millions of unpaid family caregivers

Over five million people in Germany need long-term care, with most relying on family support at home. The Johanniter-Unfall-Hilfe has now launched a free app, mitpflegeleben, to help caregivers manage daily tasks and access vital information. Experts warn, however, that upcoming health insurance reforms could strain care services further. The new mitpflegeleben app offers guidance on care routines, benefit applications, and practical advice for organising tasks. Users can download it directly from the website www.mitpflegeleben.de. The tool aims to ease the workload for the millions of relatives who provide care at home.

Matthias Fisahn, head of nursing at Johanniter-Unfall-Hilfe in Bremen-Verden, describes caring for a loved one as a deeply meaningful but demanding responsibility. He stresses that both family caregivers and professional staff need stronger political backing to sustain quality care. Fisahn also highlights concerns about proposed federal reforms to statutory health insurance. These changes may reduce funding for wage increases in outpatient care, increasing financial pressure on providers. Without adequate support, he warns, more responsibility could fall on families—many of whom already manage care without sufficient resources.

The mitpflegeleben app arrives as demand for home-based care grows, with four in five dependent individuals relying on relatives. Yet funding uncertainties threaten the stability of professional services. Without intervention, families may face even greater challenges in maintaining care for their loved ones.