Everyday life in caregiving is often a marathon with no finish line. When family members take on the role of caregivers, they quickly reach their limits. By the end of 2024, more than 6 million people in Germany were already in need of care, and this number is expected to rise to around 8 million by 2040—equivalent to about 10 percent of the population.
But digitalization offers new solutions. Digital care applications—or DiPA, for short—are making their way onto smartphones. They are more than just apps; they are digital anchors that provide support when the burden becomes too much. It is particularly important that the individual needs of those affected remain the focus, so that assistance can be tailored to their specific needs.
What is a DiPA? Digital nursing applications explained
A DiPA is a software-based application—usually a smartphone app or a web-based solution—that has been specifically developed to mitigate impairments in independence or functional abilities. It is the long-term care counterpart to the DiGA (Digital Health Application), the “prescription app.” DiPA stands for DigitalCare Application. DiPAs can help prevent or delay the need for care by specifically promoting users’ independence and abilities.
The BfArM's DiPA Directory
For an application to qualify as a DiPA, it must undergo a rigorous review process. The Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM) evaluates each app for safety, functionality, and data protection. Only after passing this review is the app included in the official DiPA directory. The Digital Care Applications Regulation (DiPAV) was published in the Federal Law Gazette on October 6, 2022, and governs the assessment of the eligibility for reimbursement of digital care applications.
Now that the review process has been completed, the electronic application portal is available for submitting applications to have a DiPA listed in the DiPA directory.
However, it is important to note that, as of April 2026, no care apps have yet been included in the DiPA directory by the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices.
Get the support that suits you.
Contact us now and we will get back to you as soon as possible!
*Mandatory fields
**Weprocess and store your data exclusively for the purpose of establishing contact and initiating business. We do not pass on your data. You can object to the storage of your personal data at any time by sending an e-mail to datenschutz@agfh.de at any time. In this case, we will immediately delete the data stored about you in due time, provided that no statutory retention periods must be observed.
You can find further information, including about other rights you have to protect your data, in our data protection information.
Benefits of DiPA for those in need of care and their families
The benefits of digital tools are numerous. They address the areas where the challenges are greatest: organization, communication, and maintaining mobility. In the future, the care sector could see a wide range of digital solutions that meet diverse needs and include both proven applications and other innovative solutions.
Relief in the daily routine of caregiving
Care apps provide targeted support services. They help families share information, coordinate tasks, and work through checklists. This frees up valuable time for what really matters: spending time together.
Promoting self-reliance
For people who need care, apps offer exercises to prevent falls or improve memory. The goal is to help them remain safely at home in their familiar surroundings for as long as possible.
Networking with professionals
Starting July 1, 2025, long-term care facilities and home care services will be required to connect to the telematics infrastructure. As part of these legal requirements, digital connectivity in the healthcare sector will be further expanded. This means that the DiPA app on your smartphone will be able to exchange data with care staff much more easily in the future, which will significantly improve care.
Better documentation and transparency
Digital care applications enable continuous and structured documentation of the care process. Symptoms, changes in health status, or completed tasks can be recorded directly.
This has several advantages:
- Family members can keep track of everything at all times
- Information is not lost
- Caregivers can make more informed decisions
This creates a shared, reliable information base, especially when multiple parties are involved.
Costs and Eligibility: Who Pays for the App?
The good news: If a care level (1 to 5) has been assigned, long-term care insurance will, upon application, cover the costs of listed DiPAs up to 40 euros per month. To have these costs covered, the appropriate applications must be submitted; advisory services are available to assist with the application process. This is a separate entitlement to benefits that is not combined with the care allowance or benefits in kind and is handled as part of the overview and application process for long-term care benefits .
Features that make all the difference
Good apps are characterized by intuitive operation and interactive, often playful elements that make them easy to use in everyday life. You can usually find them easily in the operating system’s app store, though access is typically granted via a code provided by your health insurance company.
Key features at a glance:
- Care Level Calculator: Helps you better assess your current situation.
- Medication Management: Reminds you to take important medications.
- Direct contact: Links to care services or counseling centers.
- Knowledge & magazin: Quick answers to urgent questions right on your smartphone.
What are DiGA?
Digital health applications (DiGA) are medical apps or web applications specifically designed to detect, treat, or alleviate illnesses.
Important:
- They are not fitness apps, but certified medical devices
- They can be prescribed by doctors or psychotherapists
- Alternatively, patients can also apply for them directly through their health insurance provider
Typical applications include, for example:
- Depression or anxiety disorders
- Diabetes or high blood pressure
- Chronic pain
The DiGA Directory
The DiGA directory is an official list of all approved digital health applications in Germany. It is maintained by the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM).
What's in the directory?
For each digital health application, you'll find important information such as:
- Indications (e.g., depression, back pain)
- medical benefits
- Target audience and age restrictions
- Useful life
This information helps doctors and patients choose the right treatment.
Benefits of the DiGA Directory
The directory is more than just a list; it is also a seal of quality for verified applications:
The DiGA directory is much more than just a simple list of digital applications; it also serves as a reliable seal of quality for certified healthcare solutions. Only applications that meet strict requirements are included. These requirements include, in particular, a high level of data protection and data security, a user-friendly design, and proven medical benefits.
At the same time, the directory ensures transparency: patients can access comprehensive information, as all relevant content is publicly available. This includes clear descriptions of how the products work, transparent indications for use, and the ability to compare different applications.
Another important aspect is ongoing updates. The directory is regularly reviewed and updated: new DiGA applications are added, while those that no longer meet the requirements may be removed. This ensures that quality is maintained over the long term.
In addition, the directory helps promote innovation. Manufacturers are required to provide scientific evidence of the benefits of their applications. This ensures that only effective, evidence-based digital therapies are made available to patients.
Who covers the costs for DiGA?
A key advantage of DiGA is that many people can use them for free.
People with statutory health insurance (GKV)
- Are legally entitled to DiGA
- Health insurance will cover the full cost if the app is listed in the DiGA directory
- There is no copayment
Requirements:
- a doctor's prescription or
- Approval by the health insurance company
People with private health insurance (PKV)
- Coverage depends on the insurance plan
- often possible after a case-by-case review
Challenges and the Current State of Digitalization
Although the care system in Germany is making great strides, there are still obstacles to overcome. Digitalization requires older adults and their caregivers to acquire new skills and find the courage to integrate digital devices into their daily lives.
Data security comes first
Many users are concerned about their data. The BfArM has given the all-clear: only verified and highly secure apps make it into the directory. Your sensitive health information is protected.
Conclusion: Viewing digital assistance as an opportunity
The future of care will increasingly be supported by digital tools, and this presents a significant opportunity. Whether it’s organizing daily care routines, improving work-life balance, or simplifying the process of applying for benefits, DiPAs can provide tangible relief in everyday life. Insurance partners actively support the use of digital care applications and offer comprehensive assistance to family caregivers.
It is important to note that digital applications cannot replace human connection or care. However, they take on many organizational tasks, provide structure, and offer reassurance—both for those in need of care and for their loved ones.
By adopting the right digital solutions early on, you can make day-to-day care simpler, more transparent, and more self-directed in the long run.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace individual advice from your long-term care insurance provider or a healthcare professional.
