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.
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
The need for care changes daily life—for those affected as well as for their loved ones. The following articles will help you understand the first steps and organize your care effectively.
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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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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…
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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…
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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…
Long-Term Care Insurance Benefits
Long-term care insurance offers various benefits to support people in need of care and their family members. The following articles provide an overview of entitlements, benefits, and important application procedures.
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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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Care Aids & Home Modifications
Care Aids Home care poses significant challenges for those affected and their families. However, so-called care aids can…
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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…
Long-Term Care Costs & Financing
Financing long-term care often raises many questions. The following articles will help you better estimate costs and learn about options for financial assistance.
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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
Caring for a family member can often only be integrated into one’s daily work routine with careful planning. The following articles provide guidance on balancing work and caregiving and highlight available support options.
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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
Family caregivers do a lot every day and often reach their limits in the process. The following articles highlight ways to find relief while also practicing self-care.
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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…
Types of Care and Housing – An Overview
When a care situation arises, the question of the appropriate type of housing or care often comes up as well. The following articles provide guidance on various options and help you make a well-informed decision.
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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…
Care for Children with Disabilities
Caring for and supporting a child with disabilities presents unique challenges and raises specific questions. The following articles provide guidance, practical information, and references to support services for families.
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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
Early planning and good support can provide a sense of security during difficult times in life. The following articles provide information on end-of-life planning options and support family members during the process of saying goodbye, grieving, and making the associated decisions.
