The 2024 symposium of the GeReNet.Wi / Forum Demenz Wiesbaden networks was dedicated to the current challenges in the care of older people. The event was organized by the Office for Social Work of the State Capital of Wiesbaden in cooperation with RheinMain University of Applied Sciences and financially supported by the Wiesbaden Health City Foundation.

For almost a quarter of a century, stakeholders from medicine, care and social work have been working in the Wiesbaden networks to improve care structures for older people. The focus here is on cross-interface solutions that enable senior citizens with physical, mental and social limitations to live well in their own homes for as long as possible. However, various developments will lead to particular challenges in the future and have been occupying politicians, scientists and stakeholders from the elderly care and healthcare sectors for a long time.

Demographic change is leading to supply bottlenecks in two respects

According to the Hessian demographic report, the proportion of very old people will roughly double within the next 30 years. This means that around one in seven Hessian residents will be over 80 years old, significantly increasing the need for help and care among the population.

At the same time, there is a massive decline in the number of people working in the care systems. The Hessian Chamber of Industry and Commerce puts the shortage of skilled workers at over half a million - primarily in the care and medical sectors. However, it is not only the lack of professionals that is causing a huge gap in care: Currently, it is largely relatives who look after the elderly locally. However, due to professional emancipation and high mobility, these intra-family resources of caring and nursing relatives will be significantly reduced in the future.

Innovative and cooperative care solutions are needed!

In view of the developments described above, the "concern for care" to which stakeholders from a wide range of disciplines devoted themselves on October 1, 2024 - the Day of Older People - is more than justified. The extensive and varied program included contributions from a wide range of perspectives and focused on innovative care solutions.