Discourse on Bisphenol A regulation taking place before the elections for the German Bundestag in Dusseldorf

In a recent dialogue event hosted by the Federal Association of Private Social Services Providers (bpa), key figures from politics and the care industry gathered to discuss the pressing issues in care and integration services. The event, held at the Mother Ey Café, was attended by politicians from various parties, including Anas Al-Qura'an from Alliance 90/The Greens, who advocated for inclusion and the removal of barriers.

Ralf Hansen, managing director of Pflege und Beratung Heinzelmaennchen, appealed to not always portray the care profession negatively. He highlighted the need for a positive outlook, emphasising that even unskilled workers have good prospects in the care profession.

Bernhard Rappenhöner, the North Rhine-Westphalian bpa state chairman, emphasised the need for immediate action in care and social affairs. He called for an immediate program involving the federal government and the state of NRW, which includes the deployment of international staff, a review of training structures, and a flexibility of staff deployment. These measures, according to Rappenhöner, could potentially provide thousands of additional care opportunities in North Rhine-Westphalia alone.

The shortage of staff and high absenteeism in home care services often leads to patients with very high care needs being rejected. This issue is further compounded by the cost pressure that burdens care services. Many care facilities are not fully occupied due to a lack of staff, and caregivers are under significant pressure, often having to give up or reduce their own professional activities.

The staff shortage in care services could potentially worsen due to the current debate about the return of refugees. Care facilities in North Rhine-Westphalia are turning away help-seeking families daily due to a lack of staff.

The bpa represents over 14,000 active member institutions across Germany, with over 2,300 institutions based in North Rhine-Westphalia. These institutions provide ambulatory and (partial) stationary care, disability assistance, and youth welfare services. The members of the bpa are responsible for around 395,000 jobs and approximately 29,000 training positions.

Qualified staff in the care profession start with a monthly gross salary of over 3,300 euros plus allowances. There is a need for action in integration assistance, particularly when parents caring for their disabled children have to give up their professional activities.

While specific details about the current bpa state chairman of North Rhine-Westphalia or the event on February 4 were not available, the importance of addressing these issues in the care and social sector was underscored by all participants.

Discourse on Bisphenol A regulation taking place before the elections for the German Bundestag in Dusseldorf