The skyrocketing energy costs threaten the existence of social institutions. Therefore the Arbeiter-Samariter-Bund Baden-Wuerttemberg registered association (ASB) requests the Federal and federal state government to create an energy rescue package for social mechanisms and in particular old person care mechanisms.
"We are receiving more and more cries for help from our facilities. The care facilities have to reckon with extreme cost increases for energy, but also for personnel costs and catering," says Lars-Ejnar Sterley, ASB state managing director. The energy-saving potential of the facilities, on the other hand, is small. The room temperature can be reduced for the elderly
and residents in need of care cannot simply be lowered. Converting to a heat pump or a photovoltaic system is also often not feasible technically or in the short term.
The expected deficit as a result of uncovered energy costs cannot be shouldered by the facility operators: ASB Baden-Württemberg e.V. is the operator of 72 care facilities for the elderly and expects an increase in energy costs in the next six months that is difficult to estimate. Initial estimates show increases in electricity and gas of more than 500 euros per care place and month. Non-profit facilities and services have only limited reserves, as they are not allowed to make profits and funds must be used promptly. ASB is therefore receiving reports of existential concerns from many facilities.
ASB Baden-Württemberg e.V. is therefore calling on the government to ensure that non-profit providers of social services are also taken into account when considering and deciding on energy rescue packages. "Social institutions have so far been forgotten in the relief packages. This must be corrected," demands Sabine Wölfle, state chairwoman
of the ASB Baden-Wuerttemberg registered association. "It misses the reality, if the policy refers us to negotiate because of the additional costs with the care funds or the municipalities." Negotiations are scheduled once a year and it is not possible to negotiate promptly for all facilities. Due to the expected increase in personnel costs and an increase in material costs (catering, laundry cleaning, etc.), the personal contribution for a care place could increase by up to €1,000 per month. This is not affordable for most residents. "The state must fulfill its social obligation in this crisis quickly and unbureaucratically and cap the energy costs for care facilities, or subsidize them," says ASB state director Sterley.