price increases
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More money for the nursing home? Consumers should pay attention to this
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Nursing staff should be paid better: as a result, many people in need of care or their relatives will face price increases.
Photo: Klaus-Dietmar Gabbert / dpa-tmn
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Berlin If the nursing home announces a significant price increase, many are initially overwhelmed. The Berlin Consumer Center explains what people in need of care or their relatives need to know.
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Be it gas, electricity or ancillary costs: Many consumers are currently receiving a series of letters from their suppliers about price increases. Relatives of those in need of care should also expect to be notified by the nursing home. As the Berlin Consumer Center informs, many institutions are currently announcing huge price increases.
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Facilities currently initially announce a provisional increase amount in notification letters. It is only confirmed later, so the actual increase can be claimed. However, many of those affected are initially overwhelmed by the information.
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According to VZ Berlin, it is important to check the nursing home letter carefully. There is no legal limit to the percentage increase in costs. However, according to Oleh Vovk, head of the legal advice project on assistance, the procedure that institutions must follow for the tax increase to take effect is prescribed. The following points are mandatory:
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– The structure must give written notice at least four weeks in advance of when and by what amount the fee will be increased.
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– The increase must be justified.
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– All items for which a salary increase is expected must be named.
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– It is necessary to compare the old and the new remuneration component.
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– The scale on which the cost increase is divided must be specified.
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– Consumers must be given the opportunity to consult the calculation documents.
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– Consumers must agree before the premium rate can be charged.
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If the entity deviates from the procedure, the tariff increase may be ineffective: consumers can deny their consent. The nursing home should then seek approval.
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Another option for reacting to price increases may be the special statutory right of withdrawal for residents. It applies when the property requests the rate increase. “Before canceling, however, you should first check if a suitable alternative can be found,” says Vovk.
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According to VZ Berlin, the background of rising prices is better remuneration for nursing staff and rising prices due to the crown pandemic and the war in Ukraine.
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© dpa-infocom, dpa: 220829-99-552622 / 2
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