Comparative care services and financing of Türkiye and Germany

Care services have been a concept since the early years of history. Especially the presence of elderly individuals and children living in societies has ensured that care services have been on the agenda since the early pages of history. The care provided to individuals in need of care was first provided by their families and especially by women living at home. The entry of women into working life with industrialization has caused problems in the provision of services for individuals receiving care. In addition, the breakdown of the extended family structure with migration movements has caused elderly individuals to be left alone and to struggle with their own strengths in this regard. The social state phenomenon that emerged in the following years, together with the concept of need for care, has ensured that institutions and organizations that care for individuals have been established, and that in addition to solutions for elderly individuals, there are individuals who try to help them and provide services. Care services, which are one of the issues that social policy attaches importance to, have been tried to be developed with approaches taken in countries. The fact that individuals want to receive care where they live rather than institutional care has caused home care to be given more importance and emphasis compared to other types of services. The great importance of the elderly in Turkey has made it a country that has given importance to care services since the first Turks. However, the economic crises, increasing urbanization, and the loss of respect for the elderly compared to the past have caused the elderly to be left alone and need care in Turkey. Institutions such as public and private elderly service centers, hospices and nursing homes provide services to individuals in need of care in Turkey. In addition, individuals are provided with assistance under the names of old age pension, disability pension and care allowance. However, the increasing elderly population and the high cost of hospital care indicate that home care should be prioritized. Germany is one of the countries that have advanced in care services. In particular, by establishing care insurance and covering the entire society, it has set an example for other countries. In Germany, individuals have become in need of care due to reasons such as urbanization, changes in family structure, etc. Care services have increased especially in Germany, where the elderly population rate is the highest in the European region. Services are provided to individuals in need of care in institutions such as elderly residences, rehabilitation centers and nursing homes. Monetary assistance is also provided to individuals who are separated into care levels. In this study, the concept, history, types, positive and negative aspects, financing, what needs to be done for the efficiency of home care services that emerged with the increase in the elderly population, the personnel working in this service, the reasons for its emergence, the problems experienced by family members in this regard and the roles of caregivers providing this service are explained in line with the current situation in Turkey and Germany. Suggestions are given for the creation of a new model by comparing with the services in Turkey. As a result of the research, it has been concluded that the scope of care services, state-based facilities and financial aid provided to individuals in Germany are wider. Based on this, suggestions have been made for care services in Turkey.