Age and the need for care
Challenges in old age and the need for care
While some people remain independent into old age, others need support sooner or later. Whether it's help in the household, medical care or deciding on a care facility - every situation is individual. For older people themselves, but also for relatives, these changes can be challenging.
Changes in everyday life
- Loss of independence: Restrictions in mobility or physical strength can impair independence.
- Household management: Shopping, cooking or cleaning is more difficult and can become an increasing burden.
- Digital hurdles: Many older people are unfamiliar with digital services or the use of smartphones and computers.
Health and care challenges
- Physical limitations: Sight, hearing or mobility can deteriorate, making it difficult to participate in social life.
- Care needs: After an accident, illness or due to age-related infirmities, nursing care may become necessary.
- Psychological stress: Loneliness, the feeling of no longer being needed or the loss of a partner or friend can put a strain on mental health.
First steps to maintain independence for as long as possible
Even small home adaptations, such as installing grab rails in the bathroom, make everyday movements easier and reduce the risk of falls. In addition, rollators, walking aids or technical emergency call systems can make everyday life safer. Another important factor is a fixed daily structure, which provides orientation and promotes independence. A regular daily routine creates clarity and gives the day a meaningful structure, which can be particularly helpful for people with cognitive impairments.
Finding support: Where can I get help?
Counselling and care services
- Care support points: These contact points offer free advice on the need for care, how to apply and suitable benefits.
- Care advice from health insurance companies: Every health insurance company is obliged to offer care advice. This helps with the organization of care and provides information about financial support.
- Senior citizens' advice centers: These centers advise older people on topics such as housing, leisure activities or digital participation.
Practical respite services
- Outpatient care services: They provide daily care directly at home.
- Day and night care: Care facilities look after people in need of care on an hourly basis so that relatives are relieved.
- Short-term care: Short-term care can bridge the gap after a stay in hospital or in the event of a sudden need for care.
Financial support
- Care allowance: People in need of care who are cared for at home by relatives or privately organized persons receive care allowance.
- Subsidies for home adaptations: The long-term care insurance fund provides financial support for home adaptations (e.g. the installation of a stairlift).
- Relief amount: This amount (up to 125 euros per month) can be used for relief services such as care services or home help.
Frequently asked questions about age and the need for care
A person is entitled to care services if they require long-term support in everyday life due to illness, disability or age-related restrictions. To do this, a care level must be applied for from the care insurance fund. An expert from the Medical Service (MD) assesses the independence of the person concerned and assigns them to one of the five care levels. Depending on the care level, you will receive financial benefits for care aids, outpatient care services or care allowance. A care advice center will help with the application and explain which documents are required.
If care at home is no longer affordable, there are several alternatives. These include day care, short-term care or moving into a care home. In day care, people in need of care spend the day in a facility and return home in the evening. Short-term care is temporary accommodation, e.g. after a stay in hospital or when caregiving relatives need to be relieved. If long-term care is no longer possible at home, a move to a care home may be necessary. Care advice centers provide support in finding the right solution and help with applications for financial support.
Family carers are entitled to various types of financial assistance. Care allowance is paid if care is provided at home by relatives or other private carers. It is due to the person in need of care, who can pass the money on to the carer. Working relatives have the option of applying for care leave or family care leave to reconcile work and care. During this time, there is protection against dismissal and up to 10 days of paid leave can be taken in the event of acute care needs. In addition, family carers can be covered by pension insurance if they regularly care for a person with at least care level 2. Counseling centers and long-term care insurance companies provide information on the exact entitlements and help with the application process.