New concept promotes self-determination and quality of life
The goal of the outreach elderly care program of the Senator for Labour, Social Affairs, Youth and Integration is to provide good care and support for elderly people in all Bremen neighborhoods so that they can cope well and independently in their everyday lives.
Reaching destinations in a more needs-based and sustainable way
These services are now being restructured to reach senior citizens in a more needs-based and sustainable way. Senator Dr. Claudia Schilling presented the corresponding concept to the Social Affairs Committee. "Our older citizens deserve to actively and independently shape their daily lives. They should be able to live with dignity in their familiar surroundings for as long as possible," said Senator Dr. Claudia Schilling.
Focus on: Complex needs and migration background
The senator added: “A particular focus of the new concept is on people who have not previously had the desired level of access to support services, as well as people with complex needs and Bremen residents with a migration background. “Here we will close gaps and significantly improve support for vulnerable and isolated people,” the senator emphasized.
Service centers remain the core focus
At the heart of the new concept are the service centers, which have proven their worth for decades. Through these centers, older people throughout the city will have access to outreach services that were previously offered as pilot projects (Outreach Services for the Elderly Plus/Preventive Home Visits) in select neighborhoods. Senator Dr. Schilling stated: "Combining these services into an integrated system avoids duplication of services and optimally utilizes the expertise of experienced organizations such as the AWO (Workers' Welfare Association), Caritas, the German Red Cross (DRK), and the Paritätische Wohlfahrtsverband (Parity Welfare Association)."
Birthday letter for an 80th birthday
Another new component is the letter from the Senator for Social Affairs to all Bremen residents on her 80th birthday. The birthday letter combines general information about services for the elderly with an offer of a visit from a specialist. This visit can then be used to arrange specific support if needed.
Timeline and costs
The new program is scheduled to launch in December 2025, initially with a two-year trial period. Following this trial, the program will be evaluated, focusing on aspects such as the target groups reached and their needs. The city of Bremen has budgeted approximately €434,000 annually for the program. This corresponds to the current funding level for outreach services for the elderly.
Source: Press Office of the Senate of the Free Hanseatic City of Bremen, The Senator for Labour, Social Affairs, Youth and Integration, Press Release , 14.08.2025