The Willingness to Provide Private Care in the Future: Findings Based on a Nationwide, Representative Study in Germany

Abstract

Objectives This primarily exploratory study aimed to describe the willingness to provide private care in the future and to identify factors associated with it in Germany (also stratified by sex). This knowledge is important for planning adequate care in the future. Design A large, nationwide, cross-sectional study. Setting and Participants Wave 50 of the representative GESIS Panel (late 2022 to beginning of 2023, N = 3915 adults). Methods The willingness to provide private care in the future was quantified in detail (ie, general willingness, persons for whom this care would be provided, duration, and type of care activity). Results Approximately 4 of 5 respondents would be willing to provide such private care in the future. Most people would prioritize caring for their partner, mother, and father. Respondents would be willing to spend on average 12.4 hours per week for providing such support in the future. Nearly 95% would assist with shopping and 70% to 80% with transportation, medication, finances, and meals. About two-thirds would supervise and help with housework; less than 40% would offer basic care. Regressions showed that the general willingness to provide private care in the future was significantly associated with being female, higher education, higher household net income, being married/partner living together, currently caring for a person in need of care, having children, and higher satisfaction with health. Sex-stratified regressions mainly revealed similar results for both women and men. Conclusions and Implications In conclusion, there appears to be a certain potential for future private care in the German adult population, which presumably needs to be supported by professional assistance (especially to cover basic care). This could help those in need of care to live at home for as long as possible, in accordance with their preferences.