Betreuungskraft / Alltagsbegleiter/Alltagsbegleiterin

Betreuungskräfte (caregivers) or Alltagsbegleiter/innen (daily life companions) are trained in a school-based format. For in-person events, learning locations are classrooms at the educational institution. For digital learning forms (e.g., virtual classroom) and distance learning, learning takes place at home, and if necessary, in classrooms during in-person phases. For combined learning forms (e.g., blended learning), classrooms are used for in-person events, and home for online learning units. Internships take place in facilities for the care of people with dementia or disabilities, or in elderly care.

This is a vocational training (Ausbildungsberuf) type. The training format is school-based at various educational institutions (internally regulated). The duration of training varies depending on the educational offer, class time (full-time/part-time), and learning format. Learning locations are the educational institution and the internship provider. What does one do in this profession? Betreuungskräfte (caregivers) or Alltagsbegleiter/innen (daily life companions) provide social care for people in need of help in institutional settings, e.g., people with dementia-related functional impairments, mental illnesses, or intellectual disabilities. They are also responsible for supporting seniors in their homes. Betreuungskräfte (caregivers) or Alltagsbegleiter/innen assist with daily living activities, provide everyday support, and ensure participation in social life. They act in a supportive and activating manner, offering, for example, personality, creativity, or movement-promoting leisure and group activities. Furthermore, they perform household tasks.

The duration varies depending on the educational offer, class time (full-time/part-time), and learning format.

Example for the structure of the training: Module 1: Basic course in care work in nursing facilities: 100 teaching hours. Module 2: Care internship in a nursing facility: 2 weeks. Module 3: Advanced course in care work in nursing facilities: 60 teaching hours. Total hours: 160 teaching hours plus 2 weeks of internship.

Depending on the training program, costs may include, for example: Course fees, examination fees, costs for specialized literature and working materials, costs for external accommodation.

During theoretical training, one acquires knowledge such as: Basic knowledge of communication and interaction. Basic knowledge of dementia diseases, mental illnesses, intellectual disabilities, and somatic diseases. Basic knowledge of care and care documentation, as well as hygiene requirements related to care activities to assess the reciprocal dependencies of care and support. Communication and interaction with people in need of care. Legal knowledge (basic knowledge of liability law, guardianship law, and data protection). Household management and nutrition science with special attention to diets and food intolerances. Employment opportunities and leisure activities for people with physical impairments and/or dementia diseases. Movement therapy (handling walking aids, rollators, wheelchairs). Communication and cooperation with those involved in care.

One should be prepared for the following conditions and requirements in this vocational training (Ausbildung): Theoretical lessons are full-time on at least four weekdays for full-time education, and usually on weekends, evenings, or as block lessons for part-time education. Learning can be in-person at the educational institution with other prospective Betreuungskräfte / Alltagsbegleiter (possibly not in your place of residence), through digital learning platforms (e.g., virtual classroom), or combined learning (Blended Learning) which includes both in-person and digital components. For distance learning, the learning material is processed individually from home and requires high self-discipline.

No remuneration is paid for this vocational training (Ausbildung).

In-depth knowledge in the following school subjects provides a good foundation for successful vocational training (Ausbildung): Ethics (e.g., to care for people in need of help), German (e.g., to perform administrative tasks), and Home Economics (e.g., to prepare meals).

The following vocational training (Ausbildung) alternatives are available for the profession of Betreuungskraft / Alltagsbegleiter: In the household sector, State-Certified Assistant for Nutrition and Care or Social Assistant. The commonality is taking on household tasks, caring for and supporting people. In the elderly care sector, Elderly Care Assistant is an alternative; the commonality is caring for and supporting elderly people. In the sector of people with disabilities, State-Recognized Curative Education Assistant is also an alternative; the commonality is caring for and supporting people with disabilities.

In 2008, guidelines were established according to the Social Code Book (SGB) XI for the qualification of Betreuungskräfte / Alltagsbegleiter in nursing homes or care facilities.

Betreuungskraft / Alltagsbegleiter is a vocational training (Ausbildung) regulated by the internal regulations of the course providers (Lehrgangsträger). Depending on the course provider, admission requirements, duration of training, and graduation titles may vary.

Graduation or professional titles in this field vary depending on the education provider. For example: Alltagsbegleiter/Alltagsbegleiterin (Everyday Companion), Alltagsbetreuer/Alltagsbetreuerin (Everyday Supporter), Betreuungsassistent/Betreuungsassistentin (Care Assistant), Betreuungskraft (Care Worker), Betreuungskraft für Demenzkranke (Care Worker for Dementia Patients), Senioren-Assistent/Senioren-Assistentin (Senior Assistant).

After completing the Ausbildung (vocational training), it is possible to find suitable employment. Betreuungskräfte or Alltagsbegleiter/innen work in care facilities, day care centers, and for care services. Through Anpassungsweiterbildung (adaptive further training), Betreuungskräfte or Alltagsbegleiter/innen can keep their specialized knowledge current or update it. The range of topics includes working with people with disabilities and household management. To advance professionally and reach leadership positions, an Aufstiegsweiterbildung (advancement training) can be pursued. Further training as a Haus- und Familienpfleger/in (Home and Family Care Worker) is a relevant option. With a Hochschulzugangsberechtigung (university entrance qualification), one can also pursue a Studium (university degree), for example, earning a Bachelor's degree in Social Work. It is also possible to become self-employed, for instance, as an independent Senioren-Assistent/in (Senior Assistant).

Legal regulations for the Ausbildung (vocational training) include the guidelines according to § 53b SGB XI (Social Code Book XI) regarding the qualification and tasks of additional care workers in inpatient care facilities (Betreuungskräfte-RL) from 19.08.2008, in the version of 21.10.2022. The overarching legal regulation (training/activity) is the Sozialgesetzbuch (SGB) - Elftes Buch (XI) - Soziale Pflegeversicherung (Social Code Book - Eleventh Book - Social Long-Term Care Insurance) (Article 1 of the law of 26.05.1994, BGBl. I S. 1014), last amended by Article 8 of the law of 16.04.2026 (BGBl. 2026 I Nr. 107) (cf. §45a and §53b).

Legally, no specific prior education is required. However, educational institutions set their own admission criteria. In some cases, a completed Berufsausbildung (vocational training), professional prior education, and/or relevant professional experience or an orientation internship may be required. Furthermore, for admission to the training, requirements may include: proof of health suitability through a medical certificate, proof of a first aid course, and a police clearance certificate.