Left-wing party calls for more checks in care homes

About one in three care homes in Saxony was inspected in 2025 - in the view of the Left Party in the state parliament, this is not enough. "The inspection rate urgently needs to be increased, especially as significantly more people in need of care will have to be cared for in the future," said parliamentary group leader Susanne Schaper in a statement. Although the inspections were more intensive than in 2024, the level was still low.

In some cases, less than a quarter of homes were inspected

Last year, the home supervisory authority of the municipal social association inspected 259 out of 761 care facilities in Saxony, according to the Ministry of Health's response to a question from Schaper. This corresponds to 34 percent. According to the information, the rate was particularly low in the districts of Zwickau (22 percent), Central Saxony and Meißen (both 23 percent).

Compared to 2024, the overall share improved by two percentage points, according to the information. However, a long-term comparison shows a significant decline: in 2019, more than half of all care homes were inspected.

Failings in the concept of protection against violence and medication

The most common deficiencies identified by inspectors last year related to the concept of protection against violence, the handling of medication and structural issues. According to the Ministry of Health's response, sanctions were imposed in 31 cases, for example additional documents had to be submitted (14 cases). The home supervisory authority imposed fines twice.

"In view of staff shortages and cost pressures, errors and shortcomings unfortunately cannot be ruled out - it is also in the interests of caregivers to rectify them," said Schaper. Those in need of care have the right to a functioning home supervisory authority, especially in view of the horrendous co-payment.