Dienste fur Menschen

What Dienste fur Menschen does

Dienste für Menschen gGmbH (DfM) is a Protestant (diakonal) nonprofit elderly care provider headquartered in Esslingen am Neckar, Germany, founded in 1957 and operating across Baden-Württemberg, Bayern, and Sachsen. The company delivers the full elderly-care continuum through 30+ facilities in 27 cities and municipalities, including stationary nursing homes (Pflegestifte), daytime care (Tagespflege), outpatient care via Diakoniestationen, assisted living (Betreutes Wohnen), and family care services (Familienpflege und Dorfhilfe, absorbed September 2025 from Familienpflege Esslingen C. Pukrop gGmbH). Approximately 4,000 care recipients are served annually by 2,000+ employees organized into eight regions with named Einrichtungsleitungen, Pflegedienstleitungen, and Regionalleitungen.

The organization's core technology includes certified sustainability management systems (EMASplus and We Impact Level 2 — the first social-economy company so certified), building automation with renewable energy integration (ice storage, heat pumps, photovoltaic facades), and the proprietary "Fünf Esslinger nach Dr. Runge" trademarked geriatric exercise program (1,400+ trained instructors since 2005, delivered through a partnership with Schwäbischer Turnerbund). A wholly-owned subsidiary, Dienste für Menschen HWD gGmbH, supplies catering, meals on wheels, school meals, cleaning, and facility management to all DfM locations plus external customers, generating approximately €21.5 million in 2025 revenue. A second subsidiary, Dienste für Menschen Bayern gGmbH (established 2019), holds Bavarian operations including Seniorenresidenz Gerolzhofen.

Revenue is generated primarily through German statutory nursing care insurance (Pflegekasse), health insurance, and social security reimbursements for inpatient, outpatient, and day care services — a regulated, recurring model. Secondary revenue comes from HWD gGmbH's catering, meals-on-wheels, and external food services, and from the recently integrated Familienpflege offerings. DfM's go-to-market is direct-service provision through its own facility network supplemented by hospital/physician referrals, church-based community outreach via Diakonie Württemberg, and volunteer engagement (~20,000 hours/year). The organization holds multiple ESG certifications including We Impact Level 2, EMASplus, Faire Einrichtung, Grüner Knopf-aligned procurement, and LkSG compliance.

Name

Dienste fur Menschen

Legal name

Dienste für Menschen gGmbH

Website

https://dienste-fuer-menschen.de

Company type

Private

Founded year

1957

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1,001–5,000 employees

Short description

Dienste für Menschen is a German Protestant-affiliated nonprofit elderly care provider operating 30+ facilities across Baden-Württemberg, Bayern, and Sachsen, delivering stationary, outpatient, day, family, and assisted living care to roughly 4,000 recipients annually through 2,000+ employees, with a wholly-owned catering/housekeeping subsidiary (HWD gGmbH, ~€21.5M revenue in 2025).

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Elderly Care Services

NAICS

Assisted Living Facilities for the Elderly (623312), Continuing Care Retirement Communities and Assisted Living Facilities for the Elderly (62331), Other Residential Care Facilities (62399), Other Residential Care Facilities (623990)

SIC

Services-Nursing & Personal Care Facilities (8050), Services-Skilled Nursing Care Facilities (8051), Services-Home Health Care Services (8082)

akta.pro primary industry

Home Health Aide (HHA) Services (Medically Directed) (HSABACAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Routine In-Home Hospice Care (HSABAFAA), Chronic Care & Complex Care Management (HSABAIAD), Light Housekeeping & Home Upkeep (Non-Medical) (HSABAAAD), Luxury / High-End Assisted Living Communities (HLADABAD)

Keywords

• Elderly care services
• Nursing home care
• Outpatient care services
• Day care centers
• Family care support

Headquarters

HQ city

Eßlingen

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices11 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Care Services Revenue (Social Insurance): Revenue from nursing care insurance (Pflegekasse), health insurance, and other social security providers for inpatient, outpatient, and day care services. This is the primary revenue stream for a nonprofit care provider in Germany, where services are largely reimbursed through statutory insurance schemes.
2. Catering and Food Services (HWD gGmbH): Hauswirtschafts-Tochterunternehmen (HWD gGmbH) generates revenue through daily fresh meal preparation for DfM facilities, meals on wheels (Essen auf Rädern), school meals, catering, restaurant and canteen operations. The HWD generated approximately €21.5 million in revenue in 2025.
3. Facility Management and Housekeeping Services: Cleaning services, laundry, facility management, and advisory services provided at 26 locations across three federal states. Revenue is internal to the DfM group.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Dienste fur Menschen is a Protestant (Diakonie) non-profit provider of elderly care services in Germany, offering a full continuum of stationary nursing care (Pflegestifte), outpatient home care (Ambulante Pflege / Diakoniestationen), day care (Tagespflege), assisted living (Betreutes Wohnen), family care and village help, and pastoral care across 30+ facilities in Baden-Wurttemberg, Bayern, and Sachsen. A wholly-owned subsidiary HWD gGmbH provides catering, meals on wheels, school meals, cleaning, and facility management. The organization also promotes the trademarked 'Funf Esslinger' geriatric movement program through partner sports clubs.

Product overview

Dienste für Menschen is a diaconal elderly care provider operating a comprehensive portfolio of care services. The core offering consists of Pflegestifte (nursing homes), Tagespflege (day care), Ambulante Pflege (outpatient care), Betreutes Wohnen (assisted living), and Diakoniestationen (diaconal stations). A subsidiary, HWD gGmbH, provides housekeeping, catering, and meals-on-wheels services. The company also operates Familienpflege und Dorfhilfe (family and village assistance) and Erziehungshilfen (educational assistance) programs. A distinctive wellness offering is the 'Fünf Esslinger' exercise program developed by Dr. Martin Runge for elderly mobility. The company operates across approximately 26-30 locations in Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, and Saxony.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Fünf Esslinger: A movement program developed by Dr. Martin Runge for maintaining physical fitness in the second half of life. The program includes five groups of exercises: Balance, Stretching, Power, Strength, and Upper Body Strength. DfM promotes and certifies this program across multiple locations in Baden-Württemberg.
• Geriatrisches Zentrum Esslingen-Kennenburg
• Dienste für Menschen HWD gGmbH

Products and services

• Pflegestifte (Nursing Homes) Stationary residential care facilities providing full-time nursing care for elderly people, with single rooms, communal areas, protected garden spaces, and modern energy-efficient construction. Operated at locations including Backnang, Esslingen-Kennenburg, Luitgardheim (Weinstadt-Beutelsbach), Waldmuenchen, Teurershof (Schwaebisch Hall), Goerlitz-Rauschwalde, Stuttgart-Muenster, Pforzheim, and Ebersbach. For elderly residents requiring varying care levels (Pflegestufen).
• Ambulante Pflege (Outpatient Care) Home-based nursing and care services delivered by Diakoniestationen across multiple municipalities. Provides medical care, household support, and guidance for family caregivers to elderly people living in their own homes. Includes Ambulanter Dienst, Hauswirtschaft (household services such as cleaning, laundry, grocery procurement, meal preparation), and diaconal counseling.
• Tagespflege (Day Care) Daytime care services for elderly people who live at home, providing communal activities, meals, and professional care during the day while returning home in the evening. Operated at multiple locations including Backnang, Koengen, Stuttgart-Muenster, Rosenberg, Waiblingen, Weinsberg, and Birkenfeld.
• Betreutes Wohnen (Assisted Living) Barrier-free apartments for seniors with optional support services, allowing independent living with access to on-site care and support services when needed.
• Familienpflege und Dorfhilfe (Family Care and Village Assistance) Support services for families in crisis situations, including household assistance, childcare, and elderly care, with mobile helpers (Familienpflegerinnen) providing acute support. Absorbed Familienpflege Esslingen C. Pukrop gGmbH on September 9, 2025; led by Isabel Warth.
• Erziehungshilfen (Educational Assistance) Educational support programs including TAFF, TAFF+, and TRAPEZ offerings that provide assistance and support for families with educational challenges, delivered as part of DfM's family care portfolio.
• Funf Esslinger (Five Esslingers) Movement Program Trademarked, age-medicine-based movement program for people in the second half of life, developed by geriatrician Dr. Martin Runge and sponsored by Dienste fur Menschen. Consists of five exercise categories (Balance, Stretching, Performance, Strength, Upper Body Strength) to maintain physical fitness and prevent falls. Over 1,400 instructors and exercise companions trained since inception; offered through partner Schwabischer Turnerbund sports clubs across Baden-Wurttemberg.
• Wohnstifte (Senior Living Residences) Senior living residences offering independent apartments with on-site care and support services, distinct from full residential nursing care (Pflegestifte).
• Dienste fur Menschen HWD gGmbH - Catering, Meals on Wheels, and Facility Management Wholly-owned subsidiary providing meal services, catering, cleaning, laundry, facility management, and Essen auf Raedern (meals on wheels) across 26 locations in three federal states. Approximately EUR 21.5 million in revenue in 2025. Includes school meals, public Cafe Restaurant Teurershof in Schwaebisch Hall, and internal facility management for the DfM group.
• Diakoniestationen (Diaconal Stations) Neighborhood-based counseling and care facilities providing home nursing, advice, and support services on a diaconal basis across multiple municipalities (e.g., Gundelsheim, Weinsberg, Ellhofen). Includes the recently relocated Diakoniestation Gundelsheim at the central train station.
• Geriatrisches Zentrum Esslingen-Kennenburg (Geriatric Center) Specialized geriatric care center in Esslingen-Kennenburg, combining residential care services with the Funf Esslinger movement program headquarters and dedicated expertise in age medicine.
• Seelsorge (Pastoral Care) Spiritual and pastoral care services for residents, families, and employees across all DfM facilities, anchored in the organization's Protestant (Diakonie) foundation.

Quantifiable outcome

• 88% customer satisfaction for human warmth and friendliness of staff
• +7 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments2 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature1 record

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Glöckle Holding GmbHcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023DfM partners with construction company Glöckle Holding GmbH (Schweinfurt) as general contractor for new care facility construction projects. Projects include Pflegestift Backnang (completed 2023) and Pflegestift Roßwälden (under construction 2023). Glöckle builds according to DfM's sustainability specifications including KfW climate-friendly construction standards.
• Sparkasse Göppingen / Gewerbe- und Wohnimmobilien GmbHminorOthers · 1 January 2023The Sparkasse Göppingen's real estate subsidiary is a long-term general tenant and property manager for the Pflegestift Roßwälden project, which DfM operates as a long-term tenant. The partnership involves property management and financing for the care facility.
• VAUDE (Outdoor Apparel Manufacturer)minorOthers · 1 January 2022DfM sourced fair-made, recycled, and climate-neutral fleece jackets from VAUDE for all 2,000 employees. VAUDE holds the Green Button (Grüner Knopf) certification and complies with the German Supply Chain Due Diligence Act (Lieferkettengesetz).
• Diakonie Deutschland / Diakonisches Werk WürttembergcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2021DfM is affiliated with Diakonie Deutschland and the Diakonisches Werk Württemberg. The organization participates in the 'Faire Einrichtung' initiative led by the Diakonie Württemberg, receives regular visits and recognition from Diakonie leadership (including President Lilie's sustainability tour visit in 2021), and operates under the Diakonie's ecclesiastical framework.
• Vermieter Klaus Müller (Private Landlord)minorOthers · 1 January 2018Private landlord Klaus Müller provides freshly renovated premises for the Diakoniestation Gundelsheim at its central train station location. DfM rents the space for its outpatient care and advisory services.
• GEPA — The Fair Trade CompanycoreOthers · 1 January 2013DfM sources exclusively fair-trade and organic coffee from GEPA for all 26 facilities. Approximately 12,000 kg of fair-trade organic coffee is consumed annually. GEPA sources from 14 countries with 50+ trading partners, paying above FairTrade minimums and supporting community projects in producer countries.
• Schwäbischer Turnerbund (Swabian Gymnastics Association)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2005Dienste für Menschen cooperates with the Schwäbischer Turnerbund (STB) in the area of movement promotion for older adults. Together they offer 'Fünf Esslinger' courses through many sports clubs in Baden-Württemberg. STB also provides the qualification for exercise instructors (Übungsleiter) in the program. This is a long-standing strategic partnership promoting the Fünf Esslinger program across the region.

Scale indicators11 records

Recent moves15 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Alloheim Senioren-Residenzen: One of the largest private German care home operators with nationwide stationary and outpatient services; a for-profit counterpart whose pricing and operating model compete with DfM in regional markets.
• SeneCura (SeneCura Kliniken und Heime): German-Austrian private care home chain providing stationary, day care, and assisted living services with comparable offerings to DfM but operating as a for-profit, PE-backed portfolio company.
• Korian Deutschland (Clariane): Germany arm of Europe's largest care home operator; provides stationary, outpatient, and assisted living services nationwide as a broad incumbent with a much larger portfolio than DfM but overlapping core offerings.
• Kursana Care (Dussmann Group): Care home and assisted living operator owned by the Dussmann Group; competes with DfM in stationary care and assisted living across multiple German states with a wider national footprint.
• Marseille-Kliniken / ATRIUM Seniorenresidenzen: German private care home operator running both Marseille clinics and ATRIUM stationary residences; a for-profit chain that competes with DfM's Pflegestift model on price and capacity.

Direct peers

• AGAPLESION gAG: Major Diakonie-affiliated healthcare and elder care operator in Germany offering stationary, outpatient, and hospice services under a church-affiliated nonprofit structure very similar to DfM's mission and operating model.
• Evangelische Heimstiftung: Largest Diakonie-affiliated elderly care provider in Baden-Württemberg, operating a comparable network of stationary, outpatient, day care, and assisted living services across southern Germany with similar Diakonie governance and church-affiliated branding.
• Stiftung Liebenau: Catholic-affiliated care and social services foundation based in southern Germany operating residential, outpatient, and assisted living services for the elderly with comparable regional scale and nonprofit governance.

Regional players

• BeneVit Pflegegesellschaft: Mid-sized German care provider with a strong footprint in Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria offering stationary, outpatient, and assisted living services that directly compete with DfM in shared regional markets.

Others

• Caritas Altenhilfe (Deutscher Caritasverband): Catholic welfare umbrella coordinating thousands of elder care facilities and family care services across Germany; directly comparable to Diakonie-affiliated providers like DfM as the parallel confessional system.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/DienstefuerMenschen

Compliance5 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Subsidiaries2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Dienste fur Menschen