Technology-Driven Efficiency: Creating More Space for Humanity in Care
The way society cares for people in need of support has undergone a striking transformation over the centuries. In the past, ignorance and prejudice all too often gave rise to practices we would now regard as inhumane. Today, however, modern approaches emphasise dignity, autonomy and respect.
Well into the 19th century, care provision was still frequently shaped by coercion and social isolation. Individuals requiring support were often housed in municipal hospitals or poorhouses, while family members continued to play a vital role in providing everyday assistance. Around 1900, controversial methods such as prolonged physical restraints were not uncommon—techniques that appear troubling and alien to us today. Thankfully, we have since moved on, embracing empathy, professional expertise and personalised models of care as the guiding principles of modern practice.
A Brief History of Care Law in Germany
Since 1992, the care and support of individuals in need has been formally enshrined in law. The Guardianship Act, which came into force on 1 January 1992, marked a fundamental shift in how vulnerable people are supported. For the first time, the law placed the individual’s wishes and needs at the centre of all decisions.
Another milestone followed on 1 January 2023 with a comprehensive reform of guardianship law. Guided by the principles of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the reform further strengthened the right to self-determination for those under guardianship.
By the end of 2016, the total number of guardianship proceedings in Germany was estimated at around 1.26 million. By 2024, it is expected that the figure will remain above 1.3 million—or even higher. The demand for legal guardianship continues to grow, driven by factors such as an ageing population, changing family structures and the increasing complexity of accessing social benefits.
Many Tasks, Little Time
A legal guardian is responsible for a wide range of administrative duties on behalf of the person they support, which may vary depending on the scope of responsibilities assigned. Among the most common are financial management and dealings with public authorities, such as submitting applications or asserting claims. In addition, guardians are often required to oversee aspects of healthcare, including managing medical records, organising and documenting treatments, and, more generally, fulfilling extensive reporting and documentation obligations in order to meet legal requirements and the oversight of the guardianship court. Housing matters and correspondence also fall within their remit. Ultimately, the guardian is tasked with handling applications, safeguarding entitlements and managing the legal affairs of the individual in their care.
Let us take a closer look at financial management and the responsibilities it entails. In practice, carrying out these duties typically requires access to the financial data of the person under guardianship. More specifically, financial management tasks may include:
- Managing current accounts
- Administering savings and investment assets
- Paying regular obligations such as rent, utilities and insurance premiums
- Preparing tax returns
- Handling debt management and repayment arrangements
The full spectrum of administrative tasks involved in guardianship is therefore both extensive and time-consuming. Today, in addition to the care provided by private individuals, a range of institutional care and support services is available, many of which now benefit from modern technologies. Guardians can draw on an ever-growing pool of software solutions that help to automate and streamline administrative processes. The time and effort saved in this way can be redirected towards what truly matters: the human dimension of care.
Process Optimisation for More Human-to-Human Care
A strong example of software-driven process optimisation can be seen in the collaboration between PersonalClientCare (PCC) and Qwist. By combining innovative technologies with intelligent workflows, the two companies have created a more efficient, secure and transparent solution for managing the assets of individuals under guardianship.
Two advanced products from Qwist’s nrich Financial Data Suite have been seamlessly integrated into PCC’s comprehensive service portfolio.
At the heart of this collaboration lies Financial Transaction Data: a tool that enables guardians to access real-time financial information from banks and financial service providers quickly and efficiently. This supports precise asset management while also providing a clear, up-to-date overview of each client’s financial situation.
A second key tool from Qwist, also integrated into PCC, is Categorisation. This solution analyses transaction data and automatically assigns entries to over 100 specific categories, such as social benefits, income, rent and utilities, or insurance. By doing so, it simplifies expenditure analysis and makes the preparation of detailed financial reports far more straightforward for guardians.
Together, these features significantly reduce the administrative burden of financial management. Smart evaluations and intuitive visual dashboards present clear analyses and provide a sound basis for decision-making. Because the system is fully integrated within PCC, additional banking software becomes unnecessary, ensuring that guardians are always up to date with their clients’ financial status.
The partnership between PCC and Qwist in the field of financial management therefore allows guardians to handle their clients’ affairs with greater efficiency and speed. Most importantly, it frees up valuable time—time that can be devoted to what matters most: personal care and meaningful human support.
This partnership represents an important step forward in the evolution of digital financial solutions within the care sector. Through their collaboration, PCC and Qwist are setting innovative new standards that benefit not only guardians but also those they support—paving the way towards more efficient, transparent and secure care provision.
The cooperation between PCC and Qwist vividly demonstrates the vast potential of software-assisted care. Beyond simplifying administrative processes, it also enhances the overall quality of support. Ultimately, this innovation opens the door to a more efficient, transparent and personalised model of care—one that places the well-being of all those involved firmly at its centre.
