In our many years of practice, training and consulting activities, we experience the concerns of our clients and answer a whole host of questions. Because many of these problems are similar and the questions about them are often identical, we answer the ten most important ones in order to reduce uncertainties and fears.

1. When do I need help and who is considered to be in need of care?

If you can no longer live independently and look after yourself without support, then you need help. In need of care are people who are permanently (at least 6 months) dependent on help with regularly recurring activities in daily life due to illness or disability, i.e. with personal hygiene, nutrition, mobility and household care.

2. Who decides whether I am entitled to home care?

An expert from the Medical Service of the Care Funds (MDK) will determine whether and how much you need care. Four areas are assessed for this: personal hygiene, nutrition, mobility and domestic care. For all activities that are necessary for maintenance, the MDK calculates the time required (time corridors). The determined sum in minutes forms the basis for classification in one of the three care levels.

3. Who pays for the care?

The health insurance company pays for services that are prescribed by your doctor (“prescription”). This is regulated in the fifth social code (SGB V).
The long-term care insurance pays - if care level I, II or III is recognized - within the scope of the statutory benefits. This is regulated by the eleventh social code (SGB XI)

The person in need of care pays if the long-term care insurance fund does not cover the costs, or he pays those costs that exceed the statutory maximum limits.
The social welfare provider pays if neither the health or long-term care insurance fund takes over benefits or the income / assets of the person in need of care are insufficient. This is regulated by the twelfth social code (SGB XII)
If help is only required in the area of ​​domestic care, however, there is no entitlement to benefits from the long-term care insurance.

4. How and where do I apply for care benefits?

To receive care benefits, submit an application to your health insurance company. We are happy to advise and support you in completing the form and with all the necessary formalities. After three to four weeks, you will be visited by an expert from the medical service of the long-term care insurance funds (MDK). If you wish, we can arrange an appointment and will not leave you alone during the exam.

5. How can I get care aids and technical assistance?

Care aids are available when the products facilitate care activities, alleviate discomfort or support an independent lifestyle. The care insurance pays the costs if one of the three care levels is available.
However, you have to pay an own contribution of 10%, but at least an amount of 25 euros. In cases of financial hardship, the long-term care insurance also exempts you from the obligation to make additional payments. If a person in need of care with a care level receives certain care aids for consumption, then the care fund pays 31 euros per month.

But people who do not have a care level can also get an aid from a doctor (prescription) if this maintains and promotes their independence. We would be happy to advise you so that you receive the help you need in good time.

6. Can I get a grant for housing adjustments?

The long-term care fund can grant you financial subsidies for measures to improve your individual living environment. This applies, for example, to technical help in the household, if this enables your home care or is made considerably easier in individual cases. However, you can also receive such grants if you can lead a more independent life. We will be happy to help you with the necessary formalities here as well.

7. I am cared for by relatives and only need help on weekends or when they go on vacation. How can this be organized and how is the care allowance offset?

Of course, you can get any help, care and support you need from us at any time. When it comes to financing or offsetting, you have two options:
Choose the combination of benefits in kind (benefits that we charge directly with the health fund) and care allowance (that you receive for caring for relatives). The chosen stipulation of the combined service is then valid for at least six months. We would be happy to advise you on this.

If your relatives have been caring for you for at least a year, you are entitled to preventive care (maximum 28 days per year) if they go on vacation or fall ill themselves. Then we will take care of the care on request and settle our services directly with the care fund.

8. What if I need more care? Do I have to go to a nursing home then?

If your need for long-term care increases and the services you have provided up to that point are no longer sufficient, you can apply for a higher care level in order to receive more help.

If it is no longer possible to do it alone, it does not mean a move to the nursing home. If you wish, we can offer you the option of living in a shared nursing home, where you are looked after by the family and receive qualified care around the clock.

9. What if I can't get along with a nurse?

It is very important to us that you are satisfied with us. Should you have something on your mind, please contact our nursing management directly. We are happy to help you with your request and always find a solution - for every problem.

10. Do I have to give the nursing staff a key?

No. As long as you are able to open the door for our employees, there is of course no need to hand us a key. However, if your need for care increases so that it is difficult or impossible for you to go to the door, then you should give us one or more keys. But don't worry: we keep everything in a key log, and we respect your privacy by calling us at the entrance before we step closer.