Compensation for family carers in Luxembourg does not increase despite inflation
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The Minister of Health and Social Protection, Martine Deprez, has given a detailed response to an enquiry from MPs Mars Di Bartolomeo, Liz Braz and Claire Delcourt on the situation of home carers - so-called aidants proches.
Since 1999, the allowance provided in cash in lieu of care services has not been indexed and is not considered neither a salary nor an income replacement, but is a compensation paid to a dependency insurance beneficiary who organises home care with the help of a relative. This amount is not subject to social security and tax levies. The law also does not provide for automatic adjustment of the amount of compensation to inflation, which has been a cause for criticism.
However, if the aidant proche ceases professional activity, dependency insurance covers pension contributions calculated on the minimum wage of an unskilled worker. This partially compensates for the loss of pension rights.
Nevertheless, fewer and fewer families are choosing solely home care. In 2023, only 7 per cent of elderly dependents receive care exclusively from aidant proche (compared to 10.8 per cent in 2021). The majority - 61.3% - combine family and professional services, while 31.7% depend entirely on care through services.
According to an AEC (Administration d'évaluation et de contrôle) report, 3,218 people were officially registered as aidants proches in 2023:
- 45.4 per cent of them are pensioners
- 35.8 per cent are employed
- 18.2 per cent - unemployed
But data on how many people leave work to care is not officially recorded - only that 9 per cent of carers are known to be caring with a high level of dependency (20 or more hours of help per week).
The MPs suggested that caring for loved ones should be seen as a full-fledged activity with appropriate compensation, especially in the context of an ageing population. The minister acknowledged that this issue requires a comprehensive approach and is part of the coalition agreement programme - support for the elderly at home will be a priority.
