Caring for a relative is often associated with major physical and emotional challenges. Technical care aids such as care beds, emergency call systems or positioning aids can make day-to-day care noticeably easier. They promote the independence of those in need of care, alleviate discomfort and relieve the burden on carers.
But what aids are available, who is entitled to them and how does the care insurance fund cover the costs?
Definition of technical care aids
Technical care aids are all devices and products that are used to facilitate the care of people with disabilities. disability easier. They differ from normal everyday objects because they have been specially developed for the care of people in need of care.
The term includes, for example, care beds, positioning aids, emergency call systems or home emergency call devices. These aids are not only intended to support the work of caregivers, but also to promote the independence of those in need of care. They help people to lead their lives as independently as possible despite physical limitations.
These devices play a particularly important role in the home care sector, as they make work easier for relatives and professional care staff, while at the same time increasing the safety and quality of life of those affected.
Importance of care aids in everyday life
Everyday care is often characterized by physical exertion, organizational challenges and high emotional stress. This is where technical care aids provide important support: they provide relief, reduce physical strain, prevent discomfort and offer greater safety for those in need of care and caregivers. carers.
For example, a height-adjustable care bed makes it possible to care for a person in need of care without having to constantly bend down. At the same time, the patients themselves benefit as they can lie more comfortably, get up more easily and feel more comfortable overall.
Aids therefore perform several functions in everyday life:
- Support for caregivers
- Promoting the independence of those in need of care
- Relief from discomfort
- Improving safety and hygiene
Difference - technical care aids and care aids for consumption
- Technical care aids are durable devices or products. Examples include care beds, emergency call systems, positioning aids or wheelchairs. wheelchairs. They are usually purchased once or provided on loan by the care insurance fund.
- Care aids for consumption These are products that are regularly needed and consumed. These include disposable gloves, disinfectants, bed protection pads and face masks. They are essential for daily hygiene and the safe provision of care.
Care insurance provides different rules for the assumption of costs: For consumable products, there is a monthly allowance of up to €42 in accordance with §40 SGB XI[mfn] §40 SGB XI[/mfn], while technical equipment must be checked and approved individually.
Entitlement and requirements
An entitlement to care aids exists in principle if the following conditions are met:
- The person is recognized by the long-term care insurance as being in need of care and has a degree of care.
- The aid is necessary to enable or facilitate care or to promote the independence of the person in need of care.
- The application is submitted to the relevant care insurance fund.
It is important that the aid is not primarily intended for the treatment of illnesses - the health insurance fund would be responsible for this. The distinction is therefore made between medical aids and care aids.
In practice, this means Anyone who has a recognized degree of care can apply for aids if they help to make care easier or alleviate symptoms.
Role of the long-term care insurance fund
Long-term care insurance is a compulsory insurance and part of the German social insurance system. Every person with statutory health insurance is automatically covered by long-term care insurance. The benefits are handled by the care insurance fund of the respective health insurance company.
The care insurance funds cover the costs of necessary care aids if an application is submitted and approved. The basis for this is §40 SGB XI, which regulates the conditions under which technical care aids and care aids for consumption are approved.
The role of the long-term care insurance fund includes:
- Advice on possible aids
- Examination of applications and, if necessary, involvement of the medical service
- Organization of the supply of suitable products
- Decision on assumption of costs or co-payment
In this way, the long-term care insurance fund ensures that people in need of care receive the support they need to lead their lives.
Cost coverage and co-payment
The question of costs plays a central role in care. Many families are unsure which expenses they have to bear themselves and which are covered by care insurance. In principle, the following applies: care insurance provides support if the legal requirements are met.
According to §40 SGB XI, the law provides for a fixed lump sum for care aids for consumption . People in need of care with a recognized care level receive up to 42 euros per month, which they can use for disinfectants, disposable gloves, bed protection pads or similar products. This lump sum is intended to ensure safe and hygienic care in everyday life.
The situation is somewhat more complex for technical care aids such as care beds, emergency call systems or positioning aids. Here, the care insurance fund either covers the costs in full or provides the equipment on loan. In some cases, a co-payment is required, which is usually 10% of the purchase price, up to a maximum of 25 euros per aid.
Important: As a rule, the assumption of costs must be approved prior to purchase or delivery. Anyone who buys aids without prior agreement risks the care insurance fund not reimbursing the costs.
Application and approval
To benefit from the care insurance benefits benefits, a clearly regulated procedure must be followed.
- Submit an application: People in need of care or their relatives must submit a written application to the relevant long-term care insurance fund. Many insurance companies offer forms for this on their website.
- Doctor's prescription or recommendation: Some aids require a doctor's prescription or a recommendation from a care professional. This confirms the actual need.
- Review by the long-term care insurance fund: The long-term care insurance fund reviews the application. In certain cases, it calls in the Medical Service of the Health Insurance Fund (MDK) to assess the necessity.
- Approval or rejection: After the assessment, the care insurance fund decides whether to cover the costs. In the event of a rejection, those affected can lodge an appeal.
Tip: If you need support, you can contact care support centers. These advice centers help with the application process, explain the differences between technical care aids and care aids for consumption and give advice on how best to use the benefits.
Examples of technical care aids
To make the importance of aids more tangible, it is worth taking a look at specific products. These not only make the work of caregivers easier, but also improve the safety and comfort of the person in need of care.
Care beds
A care bed is more than just a bed. It can be adjusted in height, offers various reclining positions and thus enables back-friendly care. It makes it easier for people in need of care to get up, position themselves and provides more comfort in everyday life.
Positioning aids
These include pillows, rollers or special mattresses. They help to prevent pressure points, alleviate pain and promote mobility. Positioning aids are an indispensable part of care, especially for people with severe limitations.
Emergency call systems & home emergency call
Electronic emergency call systems provide security, especially for people who live alone. They can call for help in an emergency at the touch of a button. The home emergency call system connects directly to an emergency call center that is available around the clock.
Mobility aids
wheelchairs, walking aids or standing aids support people with limited mobility. They promote independence and enable active participation in life.
Care aids for personal hygiene: Hygiene in everyday care
Shower and toilet chairs or special grab rails help with daily personal hygiene. They increase safety in the bathroom and make the caregiver's work easier.
The list of medical aids as a guide
The so-called aid directory is an important source of information for people in need of care, their relatives, and caregivers. It is maintained by the GKV-Spitzenverband (National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Funds) and contains a detailed list of all medical aids that can be covered by long-term care insurance or health insurance funds.
It not only lists the individual products, but also their areas of use, possible requirements and information on cost coverage. For many families, the list of assistive products is a valuable guide to help them find their way through the complex system of benefits.
Care insurance companies use the directory as a basis for their decisions. If a particular aid is listed there, the chances of approval increase considerably.
Care in the home
Most people want to live in their own four walls for as long as possible. To achieve this, technical care aids and care aids for consumption are indispensable. They help to make home care safer, more efficient and more comfortable.
Example: Anyone caring for a person in need of care at home often needs care beds, positioning aids or even emergency call systems. These devices make care considerably easier and create safety for the carer. At the same time, products such as disinfectants or disposable gloves ensure hygienic conditions.
Aids are usually supplied by specialized medical supply stores that are in close contact with the care insurance fund. After approval, the required equipment is delivered, set up and explained. In this way, they are immediately ready for use and can be put to optimum use.
Making care easier for relatives
Caring for a relative is not only emotionally challenging, but often also physically stressful. This is where technical care aids provide valuable support.
A height-adjustable care bed, for example, makes it possible to care for a person in need of care at a height that is easy on the back. Positioning aids make repositioning easier and prevent caregiving relatives having to carry out heavy physical work alone. A home emergency call system also takes a lot of pressure off the shoulders: relatives know that help will be called immediately in an emergency.
These aids not only make care easier, but also noticeably alleviate discomfort for the family carer. Back problems, strain or permanent pain can be avoided.
Alleviation of complaints from those in need of care
A central aim of care is to improve the quality of life of those affected. Many aids are specifically designed to reduce symptoms or mitigate their consequences.
- Decubitus mattresses prevent painful pressure sores and offer gentle positioning.
- Positioning aids help to reduce pain and promote mobility.
- Emergency call systems ensure safety and give the good feeling of being able to call for help at any time.
Relieving discomfort not only means less pain, but also more self-confidence and independence. People in need of care can be more active in their everyday lives because they feel safer and support is always available.
Independence and quality of life
Maintaining independence is a major concern for many people in need of care. Nobody wants to feel that they are completely dependent on others. Technical care aids play a decisive role here.
This support promotes quality of life on several levels:
- Physically, by reducing pain and facilitating movement.
- Psychologically, in that those affected retain more control over their lifestyle.
- Social, because they can continue to actively participate in life.
The role of the caregiver
A care professional is not only responsible for medical care, but is also an important contact person in the area of care aids. They know the actual needs of those in need of care and can assess which devices or products are required.
Your tasks in this context are diverse:
- Advice for those in need of care and relatives
- Support in the selection of suitable aids
- Preparation of recommendations for the long-term care insurance fund
- Instructions for safe use of the aids
The involvement of a care professional ensures that the care aids are used optimally. It helps to avoid incorrect purchases and makes the caregivers' work considerably easier.
Medical prescription - when is it necessary?
Not every aid requires a doctor's prescription. For many products, an application to the care insurance fund with a justification from a care professional is sufficient.
However, a medical certificate is usually required for more extensive or cost-intensive aids. Examples are
- Wheelchairs or electric sit-to-stand aids
- Care beds with special functions
- Anti-decubitus mattresses
The doctor's prescription serves as proof to the care insurance fund that there is a medically justified need for care. This makes it easier to obtain approval and those affected receive the necessary support more quickly.
Overview of the services
Long-term care insurance offers a wide range of benefits in connection with aids. These include
- Provision of technical equipment - e.g. care beds, emergency call systems or positioning aids. These are either made available on loan or financed on a permanent basis.
- Monthly flat rate for consumables - up to €42 for items such as disinfectants, disposable gloves or protective aprons.
- Advice and information - via the list of aids, care support centers or direct contacts at the care insurance fund.
- Support with applications and organization - so that aids are available quickly and easily.
The services are designed to improve everyday care, alleviate discomfort and promote the independence of those in need of care.
