Strengthening care, securing the future: Innovations on Carers' Day

May 12 is International Caregivers Day. A day that serves to draw attention to the achievements of care professionals worldwide - and to the conditions under which they work. But it is also a day that hardly anyone knows about. Just like the person behind it. The day commemorates the birthday of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing. But beyond the historical symbolism, May 12 is more relevant today than ever.

After all, nursing is not just a profession - it is a pillar of the healthcare system. And this pillar is wavering. The shortage of skilled workers, increasing work intensification, demographic developments and the growing need for care are putting the profession under massive pressure. At the same time, there is a growing awareness that nursing staff not only need support, but also room to maneuver.

Tanja Pollak, nursing specialist and project manager at the Nursing Practice Center (PPZ) Nuremberg, puts it in a nutshell: "Nursing is systemically relevant - this became clear not least during the pandemic. But in political and social reality, it is still too often overlooked or romanticized." What is needed is not another image campaign, but structural changes, better framework conditions - and genuine participation of carers in decision-making and innovation processes.

The Nuremberg Care Practice Center is one of several locations throughout Germany where care innovations are tested directly in practice. The aim is to close the gap between research, technology and everyday care. The focus is always on the question: What really helps? What really supports carers and those in need of care?

"Carers know exactly what they need. Our task is to create spaces in which they can participate in development - and in which innovation doesn't happen over their heads," says Pollak. This also increases acceptance of the technologies.

Marina Iftner, Project Manager at Bayern Innovativ Gesundheit, also sees the combination of care practice and innovation as a key lever for the future: "We need to rethink care - not as a cost driver, but as a social good that is worth investing in."

Iftner's work brings together stakeholders from the fields of care, research, business and politics to promote innovation in care. This is not just about technological solutions: "Innovation is not just about new devices or digital tools - it's also about innovative care models, new roles in care and intelligent process design."

For example, digital documentation aids could reduce bureaucracy, sensor technology in care beds could help prevent falls and digital training formats could provide flexible training for care staff. But one thing is key, as Marina Iftner emphasizes: "Technology alone will not solve any problems if it is not introduced and supported in a meaningful way. We need practical solutions and the perspective of carers right from the start."

It is understandable that many nurses have the impression that the pressure to innovate comes on top of their already stressful work. Communication is crucial here, says Tanja Pollak: "We must not overwhelm nursing staff with new systems. It takes time, training and, above all, the feeling that they are part of the change - not just the target group."

This is why the PPZ Nuremberg relies on participatory development processes: Carers test products, give feedback, develop new approaches together with manufacturers and researchers. "Only what really makes everyday work easier will prevail," says Pollak. It's not about replacing human care with technology - it's about relieving the burden on carers and freeing up valuable time for interpersonal attention.

The International Day of Carers offers an opportunity to pause for thought - and for critical reflection. "We need more than symbolic appreciation. Carers need a say, development prospects and recognition - including financial recognition," says Marina Iftner. When young people enter the nursing profession today, it is often with great idealism - but many leave it again because the reality leaves little room for this aspiration.

What is needed now? Real change - political, social and cultural. "We need to make the nursing profession attractive, not just through salary, but through development opportunities, good working conditions and innovative environments," says Iftner. And that is a task for society as a whole.

On May 12, we should thank the people who are there for others every day - in clinics, nursing homes and also at home. But it is even more important to listen to them, take their experiences seriously and involve them in the further development of our healthcare system.

"Nursing is more than just care. It is a relationship, expertise and responsibility," says Tanja Pollak. In order for care to remain sustainable, it needs both: innovation - and respect.

The International Day of Carers

When? Every year on May 12 - the birthday of Florence Nightingale (1820-1910), the founder of modern Western nursing.

Aim? To recognize the achievements of nurses worldwide and call for improvements in their working conditions.

2024 under the motto: "Our Nurses. Our Future. The economic power of care."