Geriatric Care
Altenpfleger/in
Program Code: HLTH-ALT-01
Since 2020, generalist nursing training under the Pflegeberufegesetz has replaced the former separate Altenpflege training route. It leads to the qualification Pflegefachfrau or Pflegefachmann and includes care for older people. Eligible trainees can still choose a separate Altenpflege qualification in the final year. Geriatric care involves supporting older people with daily living, mobility, medication, rehabilitation and emotional needs.
Duration
3 years
Stipend
€1,341-1,503
Theory
40%
Practical
60%
Since 2020, generalist nursing training under the Pflegeberufegesetz has replaced the former separate Altenpflege training route. It leads to the qualification Pflegefachfrau or Pflegefachmann. A separate Altenpflege qualification remains an option for eligible trainees in the final year. Explore generalist nursing training.
Program Description
Care for older people is part of generalist nursing training introduced in 2020 under the Pflegeberufegesetz. The former standalone Altenpflege route has been replaced by this shared framework. Trainees with the relevant practical focus may choose a separate Altenpflege qualification for the final year instead of continuing to the generalist qualification. Geriatric care takes place in residential nursing homes, assisted living, hospitals and home care. It involves physical, psychological and social support for older people living with dementia, mobility limitations or chronic illness. Typical work includes personal hygiene assistance, meal support, monitoring vital signs, rehabilitation, documentation, family discussions and team handovers. Useful skills include hygiene and infection prevention, wound care, medication support, de-escalation, digital documentation, teamwork and resilience. Shift work and emotionally demanding situations are part of many care roles. Applicants can prepare by developing German communication skills, gaining care experience and practising for interviews. See the generalist nursing program linked on this page for the current training route.
Skills You'll Gain
technical Skills
- Personal Hygiene AssistanceAdvanced
Bathing, dressing, mobility aid for bedridden patients; infection prevention techniques.
- Medication AdministrationAdvanced
Oral, topical, injections; dosage calculation and documentation per Arzneimittelgesetz.
- Wound Care and Decubitus PreventionIntermediate
Dressing changes, pressure ulcer assessment using Braden scale.
- Vital Signs MonitoringAdvanced
Blood pressure, pulse oximetry, ECG basics; emergency protocols.
- Dementia CareAdvanced
Validation therapy, orientation aids, behavioral management.
- Rehabilitation SupportIntermediate
Physiotherapy assistance, fall prevention exercises.
soft Skills
- Empathetic CommunicationAdvanced
Active listening, dementia-friendly dialogue, family counseling.
- Team CollaborationAdvanced
Handovers, interdisciplinary meetings with doctors/therapists.
- Stress ManagementIntermediate
Shift work resilience, self-care to prevent burnout.
administrative Skills
- Patient DocumentationIntermediate
Electronic health records (ePA), care plans via FALLS schema.
Training Structure
Theoretical Training (40%)
The theoretical portion of your training takes place at vocational schools (Berufsschulen) where you'll learn the fundamental concepts, theories, and knowledge needed for your profession.
Practical Training (60%)
The practical component takes place at your training company, where you'll apply what you've learned in real work situations under the guidance of experienced professionals.
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