Vacation for family caregivers? This is how it works!
Family caregivers can also take leave. Eldercare expert Jürgen Griesbeck explains how.
Always there for others, always ready for action: almost 1.4 million people in Germany care for relatives such as their parents at home. This often leaves little time for relaxation. What many people don't know: The care insurance funds cover the costs of alternative care to a certain extent so that carers can take time out.
Read more in this article:
During vacation: substitute or short-term care
There are various options for alternative care during your vacation:
- You can organize a private replacement. If the person is not related to the person in need of care, they will receive money from the care insurance for the care they provide.
- You can hire an outpatient service. In this case, the care insurance fund pays for three visits a day - in the morning, at midday and in the evening.
- The person in need of care can be cared for in a short-term care home.
Care insurance pays the costs of alternative care in addition to the regular care allowance. Caring relatives therefore do not suffer any financial losses.
Replacement care due to leave can only be applied for if the person in need of care has previously been cared for at home for at least six months. Whether by one person or by different people is irrelevant. This so-called pre-care period does not apply to those in need of care who have care level 4 or 5 at the start of the substitute care and are younger than 25.
In the event of illness: temporary care
The care insurance fund also pays for alternative care if the caregiver is ill. In this case, this is referred to as respite care. Unlike substitute care due to vacation, for which care must be provided for six months beforehand, respite care can be applied for as soon as the carer falls ill. There are two options here: On the one hand, hourly care at home or short-term care in a home.
Who is entitled to the benefits?
People in need of care who have at least care level 2 are entitled to substitute or respite care as well as short-term care. Substitute or respite care can only be applied for by private carers, neighbors or friends, but not by professional carers.
How much is paid?
People in need of care are legally entitled to have their health insurance fund reimburse them for the costs of substitute care and short-term care up to an amount of 1612 euros per calendar year. Replacement care can be claimed for a period of six weeks, which corresponds to 42 calendar days, while short-term care can be claimed for eight weeks, i.e. 56 calendar days. The funds from both pots can be combined: Those who only claim short-term care can also draw on the entire budget for respite care and increase their benefit entitlement to €3,224. Conversely, insured persons who opt for respite care can also use the budget for short-term care - in this case, however, only up to a maximum of 50 percent, which limits the benefit amount to EUR 2,418 per calendar year.
What lead time can be expected?
When planning vacations, it is advisable to think anti-cyclically: the majority of Germans go on vacation during the summer and Christmas vacations. This means that care services and short-term care homes are also limited in their capacities at these times. It is easier to find alternative care outside the vacation periods.
"I can only recommend that all family caregivers take this time out, which is funded by the care insurance fund. You can recharge your batteries and take a break from everyday care. Replacement or short-term care is also often an interesting and enriching experience for those in need of care. Short-term care is a particularly good way to get to know what it is like to live in a home for a short time with no obligation."
Jürgen Griesbeck, Product Manager Homecare-Eldercare, pme Familienservice Group
pme Familienservice Group - Your EAP provider since 1991
On behalf of more than 900 employers, the pme Familienservice Group supports employees in achieving a successful work-life balance and being able to work with a clear head.
The pme Familienservice Group supports employees in crises, e.g. conflicts at work, addiction or partnership problems. With a homecare eldercare service, it relieves the burden on professionals in organizing and financing care services and offers psychosocial support. The pme Academy offers seminars, workshops and coaching on the topics of personnel management and development.
You can find out more about the pme Familienservice Group here: www.familienservice.de/wer-wir-sind
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