Berlin's Health Authority Reviews 800 Care Facilities for Deficiencies

The Berlin State Office for Health and Social Affairs (Lageso) has conducted approximately 800 inspections of care and support facilities across the city over the past year. These evaluations included both scheduled and complaint-driven reviews, focusing primarily on the quality of care provided to elderly residents and individuals with disabilities.

According to Lageso, the oversight body responsible for monitoring standards in communal living arrangements, the inspections encompassed a variety of settings. These included long-term residential care homes, assisted living communities, specialized residential arrangements for individuals with mental or physical disabilities, and other care facilities.

Routine inspections are carried out at regular intervals, varying by facility type, with some undergoing annual reviews while others are checked at least once every three years. In addition to these planned checks, Lageso also responded to around 550 formal complaints from residents or their relatives. The most frequently reported issues related to the overall quality of care and supervision, as well as staffing levels within the institutions.

The central task of the Berlin care home supervisory authority is to safeguard the well-being and rights of adults who require nursing or special assistance in group living environments. These inspections are designed to identify and address shortcomings that could negatively impact the safety, health, or dignity of residents.

As of the end of 2024, Berlin had a diverse network of care and support institutions. This included 265 long-term care facilities, 146 residential establishments for people with intellectual, physical, or multiple disabilities, 116 day and night care centers, 15 short-term care units, 18 hospice facilities, 14 specialized facilities for those with mental health conditions, and 4 residential homes offering supplementary care services.

The findings from the inspections help inform both regulatory action and recommendations for improvement. When deficiencies are identified, the supervisory authority can mandate corrective measures to ensure compliance with legal and professional standards. This continuous monitoring aims to maintain and enhance the standard of care across Berlin, providing reassurance to residents and their families that issues are being proactively addressed.

The oversight process reflects Berlin's commitment to high standards in social care and the protection of vulnerable groups. By combining routine checks with responsive investigations, the city works to uphold quality and accountability within its diverse network of care and support facilities.