Bunte Kreis helps the families of sick children

The birth of a handicapped child, a heart problem or the diagnosis of cancer, an accident or an inherited disease always affects the whole family and changes lives at a stroke.

In situations like these, Bunte Kreis can help families in all sorts of ways: psychological and social, medical and financial, wherever help is needed. The aftercare nurses and psychosocial workers organise a protective circle around the family. They can be reached by telephone around the clock.

An aftercare nurse visits the child in hospital, contacts the parents and works hand in hand with the psychosocial department. They comfort and encourage the often despairing parents and organise care for other children in the family so that the parents can visit their sick child. The staff at Bunte Kreis help to obtain medical equipment for the home and negotiate with health insurance funds and welfare departments, nurseries, schools and day centres. They teach parents how to look after their severely sick child competently and expertly.

The Bunte Kreis aftercare concept developed in 1991 from discussions between parents, doctors and nurses affected by this situation. Around 70 specialists now work on an hourly, full-time or part-time basis for Bunte Kreis. On average, patients can now be released more quickly from hospital and the number of repeat admissions has fallen. This is good for both parents and children and also lowers costs.

WashTec is aware of its social responsibility

Some of the aftercare costs are paid by health insurance funds, and district authorities and the Bavarian Ministry of Social Affairs also support this work. For the rest, however, Bunte Kreis depends on donations from private individuals and companies with a social conscience.

Sponsors also support Bunte Kreis by providing practical help. This ensures that donations benefit the families without costs being deducted.

Because of the help given by donors and sponsors, it was possible to help over 1,300 families in 2007.

You can find out more about Bunte Kreis at www.bunter-kreis.de