Nursing and care professions

Nurses support people in need of care and their relatives in coping with acute and chronic health conditions. They help individuals regain independence, develop self-care skills, and manage everyday life more confidently. In doing so, nurses accompany and advise those in need of care to improve or restore their health, well-being, and quality of life. They coordinate care services, maintain an overview of the health and care needs of patients and their families, and perform medical tasks in accordance with medical instructions. Nurses may also specialise in specific areas, such as the care of children and adolescents or people with mental illnesses.

Nursing assistants support nurses and doctors by carrying out tasks assigned to them. While nursing assistants (level 1) may only work under supervision, nursing assistants (level 2) are authorised to carry out their duties independently.

Social care professionals accompany people in need of care in their everyday lives. Their main focus is on promoting self-help and empowerment. They help individuals shape their personal and social environment in a way that enhances well-being and dignity. In doing so, social care professionals help to maintain or improve the quality of life of the people in their care.

Social care workers (level 1 & 2) specialised in services for the elderly work mainly in nursing and care homes with elderly and very elderly people.

Social care worker (level 1 & level 2) specialised in services for disabled persons work primarily in facilities for people with disabilities. One of their tasks is to recognise individual’s social needs and promoting participation in social and community life.

Social care worker (level 1) specialised in services for families are active in the private sphere of the family or family-like living arrangements. They provide support in difficult life situations, for example when parents or children are ill, and help to maintain the family’s normal daily routine during times of crisis.

Home helps mainly work for mobile care and support services. They help people in need of care at home with household chores and activities of daily living. In addition, they encourage self-reliance by offering practical help and supporting individuals in maintaining their independence.