Care level 2

Persons in need of care who already experience noticeable impairments in their daily lives and are dependent on assistance with everyday activities are classified in care level 2. This care level is also referred to as significant impairment of independence.

In order to be classified in care level 2, certain requirements must be met, as with classification in care level 1. As with care grade 1, an assessment is carried out by the Medical Service of the Health Insurance Funds (MDK or, since the MDK Reform Act of 2019, "only" Medical Service or MD). The MD examines the extent to which the person potentially in need of care is restricted in everyday life. When classifying a person into care level 2, various modules are considered that assess the impairment of a person's independence and abilities. The five modules used to classify the restriction of a person's independence and abilities are as follows:
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A maximum of 100 points can be achieved in total. To be classified in care level 2, a minimum of 27 and a maximum of 47 points must be achieved. Here is an overview of the degrees of care and the associated distribution of points:
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The table provides an overview of the number of points required to be classified in a particular care level.
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An example of classification in care level 2:
Hildegard (79) has difficulty climbing stairs and walking and therefore requires a walking aid. She has occasional memory lapses and cannot organize her own medication independently. She also needs assistance with personal hygiene, but is still able to eat and drink independently.

Overall, she scores 30 out of 100 points in the Medical Service's evaluation of the modules. For this reason, she is classified in care level 2 and is entitled to care benefits from long-term care insurance. It is important to note that the distribution of points can be adjusted regularly to meet the requirements of the person in need of care. However, classification into a care degree depends not only on the points, but also on the assessment of the Medical Service or a comparable independent body.
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Persons in care level 2 are entitled to a variety of benefits from long-term care insurance. The following table provides an overview of the cash benefits:
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In addition to all the benefits that people in care level 1 also receive, the first benefit to be mentioned here is the monthly care allowance of 316 euros per month. This is paid if the person in need of care continues to live in his or her own home and is cared for by relatives or friends.

If the person in need of care continues to live in his or her own home, but is cared for by an outpatient care service, care benefits in kind of 724 euros per month are paid instead of the care allowance. If these benefits in kind are not used in full in an individual case, up to an additional 289.60 euros can be used for care and respite services. This is known as a conversion entitlement.

If relatives or friends are supported by an outpatient care service, a combination of care benefits and care allowance is possible. In this case, the care allowance is reduced as a percentage of the care benefits in kind. For example, if 70% of the care benefits in kind are used, the care allowance is also reduced by 70%.

This can be a good relief for family caregivers, just like the day and night care allowance. The latter is paid in addition to the care allowance or the care benefits in kind and the care and respite benefits if the person in need of care goes into additional partial inpatient care in a care facility. It amounts to 689 euros per month.

In day care, persons in need of care are cared for during the day and sleep in their own home. In night care, it's the other way around. In fact, the day and night care allowance is probably the biggest relief for family caregivers up to this point. The caregiver gives family members the opportunity to go about their work, enjoy their free time or sleep without having to worry about how their loved ones, who would otherwise be alone, are doing
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This is precisely where short-term care and respite care come in. If a person in need of care with care level 2 needs inpatient care, this can be subsidized by up to 1,774 euros. However, for a maximum of 4 weeks (28 days) per calendar year. If, in addition, no preventive care is provided by an outpatient care service in the calendar year, this benefit can be extended to 8 weeks (56 days). In this case (8 weeks), the allowance for short-term care increases to a maximum of 3,386 euros. In addition, persons in need of care with care level 2 continue to receive 50% of their potential care allowance, namely 158 euros, during the period of short-term care.

Preventive care works on a fairly similar principle. Preventive care, or vacation care, allows family caregivers to go on vacation for up to four weeks (28 days) a year while the person in need of care is simultaneously cared for by professional caregivers. The allowance for this benefit is 1,612 euros per year for care level 2. If one does not use short-term care in the year in question, this entitlement even increases to up to six weeks of preventive care, with a maximum subsidy of 2,418 euros. Just as with short-term care, a person in need of care with care level 2 receives 50% of their potential care allowance (158 euros) during this time (maximum 6 weeks). From care degree 2, if necessary, a fully inpatient accommodation of the person in need of care is also subsidized. This is done with 770 euros per month.

Also with the topic dwelling adaptations (see in addition also"care degree 1") larger subsidy possibilities apply than with care degree 1. If the 4,000€ for dwelling adaptations are not sufficient due to a further degradation of the condition, there can be if necessary a further subsidy for the person in need of care. However, this must be checked in each individual case.

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At marta, we are also available to assist you if you are classified in care level 2.

Caregivers via the marta platform can provide support in various areas, such as personal hygiene, domestic care, or care and support in everyday life. A caregiver can help care recipients with personal hygiene, i.e. washing, showering, dressing and undressing, or dental care. A caregiver is also available to assist your loved one with remobilization or problems going to the bathroom.

For household care, a caregiver can assist with meal preparation, grocery shopping or basic cleaning of your home. A caregiver can also accompany and support the person in need of care during, for example, walks, doctor's visits or leisure activities.

Marta offers you a comprehensive service in your search for the ideal caregiver. Each caregiver goes through a background and ID check in their country of origin to provide you with complete peace of mind. If you are not satisfied, you can usually cancel the contract between you and the caregiver at no additional cost after only 7 days. All caregivers have a registered and 100% legal business and are extensively insured.

Through marta's platform, you can contact the caregivers directly without the need to involve an additional agency. This saves you money and ensures that the caregiver is paid fairly. The marta team is available to you at any time and accompanies you from the beginning, whether you need help finding a suitable caregiver or if you have specific questions.
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