Basic Knowledge & Practical Information on Caring for Family Members
No one thinks about caregiving without a reason. A loved one may suddenly need care, and as a family member or partner, you’ll quickly need a lot of information to respond appropriately and take all the necessary steps. We know this situation very well. If someone close to you needs care, we’d like to use the information in this section of awo lifebalance to support you step by step in mastering the often challenging demands placed on family members who are responsible for providing care. We don’t assume you have any prior knowledge of caregiving.
Rest assured: There are many options for help and support for caregivers in Germany. You won’t be left alone. On the following pages, we’ll provide you with the necessary basic knowledge and tell you what’s important.
Through our comprehensive range of counseling and referral services, we support family caregivers and those affected:
- Care Counseling: Guidance on Care Levels, Long-Term Care Insurance Benefits, and Legal Issues
- Organization and Referral: Assistance in finding long-term care facilities, outpatient services, and respite care options
- Relief Coaching for Family Caregivers: Support for Emotional, Interpersonal, and Social Stressors
- Support in the Care Setting: Advice on home modifications, assistive devices, and mobility in daily life, as well as managing medical conditions
- Digital Family Counseling on Caregiving Issues: By Phone or Video—Flexible and Hassle-Free
Please contact our experts directly and confidentially—we’d be happy to assist you!
Important Downloads
A Practical Checklist on Long-Term Care —a concise guide to what you need to keep in mind when filing applications, signing contracts, and selecting services.
Understanding and Organizing Care Needs
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Apply for a care level
For the purposes of the law, individuals in need of care are those whose ability to function independently…
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Find Support for Organizing Care
You can use so-called care portals on the Internet to research both outpatient care services and inpatient care…
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The medical examination by the Medical Service
The assessment usually takes place at the home of the person in need of care. As a family…
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Understanding the Benefit Notice
The written decision on benefits will inform both the person in need of care and you of the…
Long-Term Care Insurance Benefits
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Understanding and Using Care Allowance
Long-term care insurance has been in place in Germany since 1995. Through this program, individuals recognized as needing…
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Receiving in-kind care benefits
Anyone who wishes to receive long-term care services for the first time must submit an application to the…
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Respite Services in Outpatient Care
For care levels 2 through 5, the following services are available to assist with home care: Characteristics of…
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Respite Services for Temporary and Short-Term Care
Respite care allows for substitute care at home by family members, friends, or a home care service when…
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Respite Care Services in Group Homes
If the person in need of care livesin a residential group home with outpatient support, they are entitled…
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Inpatient Care Services
Residential care and day care offer various care options for people who need care. Full-time inpatient care is…
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Monthly Benefits by Care Level
The exact amount of financial assistance provided by long-term care insurance is determined, without exception, by the care…
Long-Term Care Costs & Financing
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Understanding the Use of Income and Assets
Costs for nursing care, household assistance, and personal care that are not covered by long-term care insurance will…
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Take Advantage of Tax Breaks
For home care that you pay for privately in addition to the benefits provided by the long-term care…
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Apply for Social Benefits
Long-term care assistance is a so-called needs-based social benefit paid by the social services office. People in need…
How to Balance Caregiving and Work
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Organizing Short-Term Time Off
All employees who provide care are legally entitled to time off work for a short period, regardless of…
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Balancing Care and Work
It is only possible to effectively balance work and caring for family members with a high degree of…
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Taking Care Leave & Family Care Leave
Employees have a legal right to partial or full leave of up to six months if they are…
Relief for Family Caregivers
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Planning for the Care of Family Members with Dementia
Caring for a family member with dementia is particularly stressful. Since there are many conditions that share symptoms…
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Take Advantage of Counseling Services
The purpose of care counseling is to help you, as a family member, as well as those in…
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Social Security Options
Caring for a family member who needs care brings changes and challenges for you on various levels.
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Take Advantage of Counseling Services
The purpose of care counseling is to help you, as a family member, as well as those in…
Finding the Right Type of Care and Living Arrangement
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Finding the Right Residential Facility
No one takes the decision to place a family member in need of long-term care in a residential…
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Organizing Home Care
According to recent studies, the majority of people in need of care prefer to remain in their own…
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Compare Alternative Living Arrangements
In recent years, various other housing options have become established, such as assisted living, shared housing for seniors,…
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Organizing Day Care & Short-Term Care
People who need care and are being cared for at home by their family members may also be…
Children with disabilities
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Care Levels for Children
For children who require care, the care level is generally determined by comparing their limitations in independence and…
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Services for Children with Disabilities
As the parent of a child with a disability, a severe multiple disability, or a serious chronic illness,…
Planning, Support, and Saying Goodbye
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Power of Attorney for Health Care, Guardianship, and Living Will
If a person suddenly, due to a serious illness or an accident, can no longer make decisions for…
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Understanding Hospice and Palliative Care
Peoplewith terminal illnesses who are expected to die are entitled to palliative care and support. In medicine, “palliative”…
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Dealing with Goodbyes and Grief
Everyone copes differently with the death of a family member. It helps to have other family members and…
