Care: High demand for qualification of lateral entrants - Thuringia’s care crisis deepens as staff shortages persist despite growth
Thuringia’s care sector continues to face a severe staffing shortage despite recent growth in worker numbers. The problem has persisted since 2017, with hundreds of positions left unfilled each year. New data from early 2026 shows the crisis is deepening due to demographic pressures and workforce limitations.
The Thüringer Pflege- und Krankenhausagentur (TPKA) has tracked care vacancies in the region since 2017. Between 800 and 1,100 positions went unfilled annually during that period. By October 2025, around 950 roles remained vacant, and by early 2026, the number stood at roughly 450.
One major issue is the reliance on part-time staff. Two-thirds of workers in elderly care operate on reduced hours, limiting overall capacity. Shift work constraints also prevent some skilled employees from being fully utilised. Meanwhile, the employment agency has helped upskill existing care workers, but demand still outstrips supply. To address the gap, the sector must now focus on recruiting foreign skilled workers. The high demand also means many care staff can easily switch employers, further complicating retention efforts.
Despite efforts to train and retain workers, Thuringia’s care sector remains understaffed. The ongoing shortage means facilities struggle to meet growing needs, particularly as the population ages. Foreign recruitment and better workforce planning will be critical in the coming years.
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