Breaking News: German Long-term Care Insurance Benefits Merge to Provide Up to €3,539 Annually

Düsseldorf/Berlin (dpa/tmn) – For those in need of care, relatives take on a heavy burden, often performing tasks like washing, shopping, and managing medication. In Germany, approximately 5.7 million people rely on family members to provide this crucial support, with more than 500,000 seeking a temporary break through long-term care insurance benefits.

Easing the Burden: New Merged Benefits for Caregivers

Effective July 1st, Germany’s long-term care insurance funds will merge short-term and preventive care benefits into a single pot worth up to €3,539 per calendar year. This move aim to simplify access to essential care services for both caregivers and the people they support.

“This merger makes it significantly easier to utilize these services,” says Verena Querling, a nursing law expert at the Consumer Center North Rhine-Westphalia. “Now, individuals in need of care can manage their time away more flexibly and cost-effectively.”

Understanding Short-term and Preventive Care

Short-term care involves a temporary stay in a nursing home, previously funded up to €1,854 per year. Preventive care, on the other hand, allows someone to stay at home while another person takes over their care, with previous limits of €1,685 per year for up to six weeks.

Preventive care can be utilized on an hourly basis, providing valuable relief for caregivers planning outings or scheduled absences. However, for regular weekly breaks, preventive care funds cannot be used, necessitating application through the nursing care fund.

Key Changes Taking Effect July 1st

Major modifications include:

• An increase in the maximum duration of preventive care from six to eight weeks, aligning with short-term care limits.
• The elimination of the six-month pre-care period requirement for preventive care applications.
• Double allowance for care levels if conducted by close relatives in a non-employee capacity.
• Continued payment of half the care allowance during the use of either benefit.

Navigating Application and Finances

Individuals eligible for care levels 2 and above can now apply for these services, supported by relatives or through power of attorney. Applications can be made online at the respective nursing care fund.

“It’s crucial to plan ahead,” advises the Consumer Center NRW. Applying early ensures financial clarity for your planned break. In unforeseen situations, such as illness, retrospective applications are also possible, provided you keep all receipts.

Finding Replacement Care

Securing replacement care can be challenging, but proactive steps like seeking advice from nursing counseling centers and leveraging community networks can enhance your chances.

“Activating private networks—family, friends, or local community groups—can be a lifeline,” recommends Stiftung Warentest. Utilizing platforms like Nextdoor or community bulletin boards can maximize your support options.

The merging of these care benefits represents a significant shift in how Germany supports its caregiving population, offering much-needed financial and logistical relief. As the programme adapts, caregivers can better navigate their vital role with improved services and support.