Bernburg. With two events on the same day, the Salzlandkreis Guardianship Authority attracted almost 80 participants. The team had invited interested parties, volunteers, association guardians and professional guardians to a working group meeting in Bernburg in the morning and in Aschersleben in the afternoon. It was the second event this year organised by the Guardianship Authority, designed to impart specialist knowledge and to foster exchange with and amongst prospective or already court-appointed guardians.
At the September meeting, the topic of "Contracts for residential accommodation with care and support services - do you have your rights and obligations in mind?" was on the agenda. During a presentation, the participants received information and important tips from an experienced fully qualified lawyer from the care legal advice service of the Saxony-Anhalt consumer advice centre, which the care authority was able to secure for the most recent network meeting. The topic was the current legal situation regarding care home contracts, care home costs and their reductions, the type, content and scope of care and support services, aids in care homes, lists of individual services and cancellations or special terminations.
The topic was very well received and led to lively discussions during and after the presentation. Participants described their own problems and were able to discuss solutions with the other attendees. The employees of the care authority were available to answer almost all care-related questions, sometimes also in more detailed individual discussions afterwards.
Twice a year, the care authority of the Salzland district organises such an open offer for all active carers to exchange ideas, network and receive further training at different locations. Time and again, it becomes apparent how great the need is and how necessary it is for professional and association carers, as well as family members, neighbours and other volunteers, to take on the responsible task when people of legal age are not (or no longer) able to act alone in many areas of life due to a crisis, illness or disability. This can apply to banking transactions and other matters such as health insurance, social services, pensions or admission to a care home. Expertise, trustworthiness and empathy are always required.
Two large guardianship associations work in the district and endeavour to recruit new volunteer guardians, among other things. The employees of the local care authority are also available at any time to provide advice and support if someone wants to become a voluntary legal carer. The guardianship authority proposes the guardianship relationships to the guardianship courts so that the so-called appointment can be made from there.
"This is certainly a very challenging, but also very meaningful task." Richard Stump heads the team at the Salzland district care authority: "We are delighted with every success that we achieve with our joint work on behalf of people in need of help. And sometimes we also reach young people for voluntary work, such as a man in his mid-twenties who has found great fulfilment in his commitment to others."
Anyone who is also interested in becoming a volunteer guardian is welcome to contact the team at the guardianship authority for a non-binding consultation
The regularly trained and professionally experienced employees are also available to provide personal and free advice on the topics of precautionary powers of attorney and advance care directives.