ERFURT – It's a major challenge for companies and their employees: Due to demographic changes, the number of people requiring care is growing, and companies need smart solutions to reconcile work and caregiving responsibilities. Two new courses for training as a "Workplace Care Navigator," offered by the Thuringian Agency for Skilled Worker Recruitment (ThAFF) from August 21 to September 15 and from October 16 to November 10, provide the necessary support. These courses, part of the "Workplace Care Navigators Thuringia DIGITAL" project, are free of charge and can be conveniently attended from a desk or home office throughout the course period.
A major advantage of the course offering is its flexibility: Participants have four weeks of access to the seven modules, allowing them to easily integrate the course into their daily work routine. "Our courses are aimed at anyone who wants to acquire basic knowledge about caregiving in a professional context," explains Sabine Wosche, Managing Director of LEG, where ThAFF is located. "Support in balancing work and caregiving helps employees with their demanding task of being there for both their employer and their families, and also makes a significant contribution to companies in addressing the skilled worker shortage."
Participants in the seven-module video course receive essential information to advise and support their colleagues in caregiving situations. The workplace caregiving advisors provide valuable initial consultations and are available to answer questions related to "work and caregiving." They also offer valuable guidance on suitable support services and further information resources. To date, a total of 580 dedicated individuals in Thuringia have successfully completed the "Workplace Caregiving Advisors Thuringia DIGITAL" course.
Background:
Balancing work and family caregiving presents a challenge for many employees in Germany. According to current statistics, more than 80 percent of people requiring care in Germany are cared for at home, mostly by family members who also hold down stressful jobs. Many of those affected are hesitant to discuss their situation with their employers and seek support in the often opaque "caregiving jungle.".
To improve the situation of family caregivers and strengthen the benefits of statutory long-term care insurance, the Long-Term Care Support and Relief Act (PUEG) was introduced. From 2024, long-term care allowance, in-kind benefits, and the number of days per calendar year for which family caregivers can receive long-term care support allowance will be increased. This is intended to enable people in need of care to be better cared for by their own families.
Those interested can register for the courses at the following website:
https://thaff-thueringen.de/veranstaltungen/kurs-betriebliche-pflegelots-innen-thueringen-digital
