People are living longer and longer, and the population is steadily growing. Are Luxembourg's retirement homes prepared for this development? Our colleagues from RTL.lu reached out to the Ministry of Family Affairs for insights.

In Berlin, a nurse recently called the police and emergency services because the night shift at a retirement home with more than 140 residents was considerably understaffed and no one in charge could be reached. This was reported, among others, by the German news channel n-tv.

This incident underscores an ongoing issue with staffing shortages in healthcare facilities, not only in neighbouring countries but also in Luxembourg. Recognising the gravity of the situation, the government, in its coalition agreement, has pledged to address this challenge by expanding accommodation facilities and enhancing the appeal of the caregiving profession. But what is the current situation in Luxembourg's retirement homes?

Adapting to demographic changes

There are currently 54 approved retirement homes with a combined capacity of up to 6,750 beds, including approximately 450 double units for couples. However, precise occupancy figures are not readily available, with the Ministry of Family Affairs relying on data from the 2022 census, which indicated nearly 6,000 individuals residing in elderly care facilities. Of these, 4,361 were women and 1,555 were men.

Determining the exact occupancy is complex due to factors such as single individuals occupying double rooms, often resulting from one partner's passing. According to the census, as of 31 December 2022, over 7,500 individuals were employed across these facilities, with approximately 6,000 working full-time. Of these, around 5,300 were employed in caregiving roles, slightly outnumbering nursing staff.

Acknowledging the shortage of care staff, the Ministry of Family Affairs attributes the challenge to both declining interest in the profession and the steady increase in the elderly population. As medical advancements contribute to global longevity, Luxembourg grapples with a growing population, particularly among the elderly demographic, necessitating improved care provisions.

To pre-empt scenarios like the recent incident in Berlin, Luxembourg is actively investing in elderly care facilities and bolstering healthcare staffing. The Bien vieillir ("Ageing well") plan, a cornerstone of the coalition agreement, spearheads efforts to elevate the appeal of caregiving professions and streamline recruitment through targeted outreach initiatives, as outlined by the Ministry of Family Affairs.

In addition, ongoing construction and future development plans for accommodation facilities signify a commitment to expanding capacity to meet rising demands.

Promoting independent living

While residential care remains a vital option for those unable to live independently, the Ministry of Family Affairs prioritises active ageing initiatives to enable older individuals to remain in their homes for as long as possible, fostering autonomy and quality of life.

A range of support services, including the "Aktiv+" club, home care assistance, and meal delivery services, are available to facilitate independent living arrangements.