"I've already contacted 40": Sick woman (58) has been unsuccessfully searching for a care service for weeks.

Irene H. (58) from Obing is actually more ill than healthy. Due to an immunodeficiency, she needs subcutaneous immunoglobulin therapy once a week, a form of antibody replacement therapy in which immunoglobulins (antibodies) are injected under the skin. For this, she relies on the assistance of an outpatient nursing service. But she can't find one.

The search is proving extremely difficult. "I've already contacted around 40 care services," the 58-year-old told the " Oberbayerisches Volksblatt ".

Either the outpatient service providers have no more capacity or they don't cover her needs. She's on a waiting list with one provider. The situation is extremely stressful for her, the desperate woman told the "OVB".

In her desperation, she even sought advice in Facebook chats, but this too proved unsuccessful. Her housekeeper stepped in temporarily, but this was not a permanent solution.

Irene H. is feeling the effects of a completely overburdened care system. Christian Graggaber, Managing Director of ProSenio Germany, recently warned that without immediate and comprehensive reforms , the crisis will inevitably escalate.

The aging population is driving up the numbers, and the system is unprepared. "If we don't act quickly, we face disaster. By 2035, we expect to have 5.6 million people in need of care – that's 14 percent more than in 2021. And the trend will continue: the number will rise to over 6 million," the expert said. The system is already overburdened, and there are no signs that the situation will improve on its own.

In Germany there are five care levels that reflect the severity of the impairment of independence:

• Care level 1 (low)
• Care level 2 (significant)
• Care level 3 (severe)
• Care level 4 (most severe impairment)
• Care level 5 (most severe impairment with special requirements).

The classification is based on a points system, with each care level assigned a specific point value range. Benefits include either in-kind care benefits (796 euros to 2299 euros per month) or care allowance (347 euros to 990 euros per month), as well as additional benefits such as the relief allowance.