Care Needs in Bochum: Challenges, Structure, and Future Perspectives

Bochum 2026: Care Needs Are Rising, Care Structure Is Being Replanned

The number of people in need of care in Bochum is growing rapidly. In 2024, 26,850 people lived in the city with care needs, including 8,200 individuals with dementia. By 2049, the number of care-dependent individuals is expected to rise to around 30,300 – an increase of nearly 13 percent. At the same time, the number of people with dementia is set to rise by 18 percent, placing significant strain on care structures. In recent weeks, the city of Bochum has passed key measures to address the demographic shift and secure the care infrastructure.

Current Structure of the Care Supply

Bochum currently has 3,701 inpatient care beds, distributed across 39 facilities. This corresponds to a rate of 13.8 beds per 100 care-dependent individuals. In home-based care, 73 nursing services employ a total of 1,700 staff members, resulting in a ratio of 6.3 employees per 100 care-dependent individuals – just below the national average.

In contrast, day care and short-term care are significantly underprovided: 397 day care places (1.5 per 100) and 124 short-term care places (0.5 per 100) are currently available. The city sees an urgent need for expansion here. Particularly problematic is the situation in Bochum-North and East, where inpatient care is far below the target level.

Dementia: A Growing Challenge

The number of people with dementia is growing faster than the total number of care-dependent individuals. In 2024, 8,226 people with dementia lived in Bochum, and by 2049, the number is expected to rise to 9,715. 67 percent of people with dementia are over 80 years old, and women are significantly more affected than men (70%). The city districts of Mitte and Wattenscheid are particularly affected by the development of dementia.

The current care situation for people with dementia remains fragile. The city plans to expand palliative and hospice services and to more strongly involve the Outpatient Ethics Committee. In addition, a guideline for the better implementation of diversity-oriented care is being developed.

Staff Shortages and Training

Staffing in the care sector remains one of the biggest challenges. In 2023, 5,000 care workers were employed in Bochum, but the age structure of this workforce is problematic: 32 percent of care workers are over 55 years old. In the next twelve years, around 1,600 care workers will retire. At the same time, the demand for care staff is expected to rise by up to 960 employees by 2049.

The training situation is tense. In 2024, 540 new nursing training programs were started, but the dropout rate is 46 percent. The new generalist nursing training is seen as particularly challenging. In addition, the recognition of foreign qualifications remains a problem, although the Skilled Workers Immigration Act promises initial relief in this area.

Action Planning and Future Perspectives

As part of the municipal care planning, Bochum has defined clear target values. By 2035 and 2049, care places and staff resources are to be significantly expanded. A particularly urgent need for expansion is evident in Bochum-North, East, and South. The city plans to create new service apartments, home-based group living arrangements, and day care places to improve care services.

In addition, Bochum is relying on strategic initiatives such as the alliance "Bochum moves Care," the action plan "Life in Old Age 2025–2030," and the Senior Portal. These projects aim to strengthen the care infrastructure, promote the recruitment of new staff, and improve the quality of life for older people.

Conclusion: A City in Transition

The care supply in Bochum is undergoing a fundamental transformation. The increasing number of care-dependent individuals, the challenges in the personnel area, and the regional differences in the care structure require long-term planning and coordination. With the municipal care plan, Bochum has taken the first step. However, the implementation will be decisive – for both older people and the city's future viability.