Care level 1
Care level 1 is the lowest level of need for care and thus guarantees corresponding benefits from long-term care insurance. It refers to people who experience minor impairments in their daily lives. This care degree is also referred to as minor impairment of independence.
How and why is one classified in care level 1?
In order to be classified in care level 1, certain conditions must be met. First, an assessment by the Medical Service of the Health Insurance Funds (MDK or, since the MDK Reform Act of 2019, "only" Medical Service or MD) must take place. The MD checks the extent to which the person potentially in need of care is able to perform certain everyday activities independently. This includes, for example, personal hygiene, dressing or preparing meals. The classification is based on a points system. The more independent the person potentially in need of care, the fewer points he or she receives and thus the lower the designated
care level. If the MD determines that there is a minor impairment of independence (this occurs with a score of 12.5 to 26.5), the applicant is placed in care level 1. It is important to emphasize that this care degree is not only for older people, but also for younger people who need support due to chronic illnesses or accidents.
What benefits can you receive if you are classified in care level 1?
Although care level 1 is the lowest possible level of classification, applicants are still entitled to various benefits from the care insurance scheme. These include care consultations conducted by trained professionals to support or inform family caregivers. Consultations are also offered for better overall care as well as any home remodeling that may be needed. Family members, friends and volunteer caregivers further have the opportunity to take free caregiving courses. The following table provides an overview of the
cash benefits for care level 1:
Monetary support is provided in the form of 125 euros per month for
care and respite services. The assistance services summarized under the term care and relief services can be selected individually and vary according to need. They can range from services in day, night or
short-term care to partial payment of the costs for outpatient care services to everyday assistance with shopping. Costs for household help or care groups to promote mental and physical activity can also be covered. Unfortunately, however, these 125 euros are not enough if longer inpatient short-term care is needed, e.g. in a nursing home after a hospital stay. At the same time, people in need of care with care level 1 are not entitled to any money for short-term care. To close this care gap, so-called transitional care has been available since 2016. It is similar to
short-term care, which is valid from
care level 2. The person receiving care receives a maximum of 1,774 euros (per calendar year) for a maximum of 4 weeks (28 days).
In addition, persons in need of care also receive certain care aids for consumption, such as disposable gloves, protective aprons or disposable bed protection pads. Up to 40 euros per month is provided for this. Medical aids are also partially or fully reimbursed. These include, for example, wheelchairs or hearing aids. The amount up to which a subsidy applies varies depending on the case. Also, not all medical aids are eligible for reimbursement. Which aids are reimbursable is specified in the list of aids (for those with statutory health insurance) or in the aids catalog (for those with private health insurance). In addition to the above-mentioned costs, long-term care insurance also covers the monthly expenditure of 25.50 euros for the use of a home emergency call system.
Creating accessible housing improves the quality of life for people with disabilities.
The barrier-free conversion of apartments is also possible under certain conditions and up to a maximum amount of €4,000 per overall measure. In the case of residential groups, this amount is even increased to up to €16,000. These conditions are precisely defined in § 40 paragraph 4 of the Social Code (SGB) XI. In addition, outpatient assisted living groups or senior living communities are promoted and supported. These may consist of a maximum of 4 insured persons with at least care degree 1. In addition to the 16,000 euros mentioned above, they receive a one-time facility allowance of 2,500 euros (per person) as well as 214 euros per month (for the entire residential group) for the employment of an organizer who supports those requiring care in everyday life.
Care level 1 can also be used to prepare for a future increased need for care. This includes, for example, measures for fall prophylaxis. It is important to emphasize that Care Level 1 is a valuable support for persons with minor impairments. It is a recognition of the needs of persons with minor impairments and a helpful support service provided by long-term care insurance and the state for this group.
An upgrade from care level 1 to
care level 2 takes place if the person's need for care has increased. This requires a new assessment by the Medical Service of the Health Insurance Funds.
How can marta support people in need of care with care level 1?
Despite the good mobility of people in need of care with care level 1, many relatives would like additional
care from a caregiver to provide their loved ones with the best possible support. A caregiver can help organize everyday life by assisting with personal hygiene, daily tasks or social activities. In this way, she helps to keep the person in need of care physically and mentally fit.
Home care can also help with other everyday situations and thus provide a higher level of security. Often, even small assistance such as help with meal preparation, grocery shopping or basic cleaning of the home is enough. By finding suitable caregivers through marta's platform, you can contact caregivers directly and benefit from transparent payment. If you need help finding a suitable
caregiver, you can always turn to the trained team at marta for advice and support.
