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How we can recharge our batteries
Even caregivers of a relative are entitled to leave. This break is very important - not just to stay healthy for others. We have the most important questions and answers on the subject.
Why should caregivers go on holiday regularly?
Because the care of a loved one not only demands our strength physically but also spiritually. If we go permanently beyond our exposure limits, we risk becoming ill ourselves. Therefore, in addition to small breaks in everyday life, holidays should be scheduled by the care. Only in this way can we provide our loved ones good care in the long term.
Tip: do not miss a vacation. Those who claim a break only after years often meet resistance from their relatives.
What options do we have as caregivers?
If we want a break for ourselves or together with the partner, we can either have an outpatient specialist come home or give our loved ones in the short-term care of a retirement home. There they are looked after expertly and receive themselves a break from everyday life. The alternative: we travel together, eg. B. in a nursing hotel. There, the care is also taken from us.
Tip: plan early. Places in the short-term care are sought after.
How can we finance such a break?
Of course we have to finance our own vacation ourselves. However, the care funds subsidize the stay of our loved ones in a short-term care or the temporary care by an outpatient social ward. Both the short-term care and the so-called prevention care is financially supported each year with up to 1550 euros.
Tip: By law, we have 28 days off from care each year. We should not miss that.
What exactly does preventive care mean?
If we are prevented by hobbies, medical appointments, family celebrations or holidays and can not look after our relatives, we need a replacement care for this time, eg. B. by a specialist of the ambulatory care service. The resulting costs are subsidized as part of the preventive care for a maximum of 28 days with up to 1550 euros per year from the nursing care fund.
Tip: Application forms are available from our nursing care fund.
Is the subsidy dependent on the level of care?
No, the maximum limit of 1550 Euro applies equally to all care levels. The preventive care can also be applied for relatives with limited everyday skills, the short-term care not. In order to relieve ourselves further, half of the care allowance has recently been reimbursed during preventive or short-term care.
Tip: If you take care of people with dementia, you can apply for additional care services from 100 to 200 euros per month.
Who can apply for preventive care?
In order to benefit from the benefits provided by the long-term care fund, we must meet two basic requirements: 1. We have been caring for our ill relatives for at least six months. 2. The person in need of care has a recognized level of care (0 to 3) and therefore receives a care allowance from the state care fund.
Tip: The preventive care can be applied for in addition to the short-term care. So we can fully exploit both services.
Who can I be represented on vacation?
In order for us to receive the full benefits, it is important that the care be provided by an outside person, eg. For example, by a professional nurse or by a neighbor or friend. But beware: If relatives of the first or second degree represent us, we only receive the usual care allowance during our time off.
Tip: Friends or neighbors must pay bills for their support. Only then can we receive preventive care.
What should we look for in the short-term care?
As with preventive care, the Nursing Fund will cover up to € 1550 of the cost of care per year even for temporary accommodation in the home. But: Financial expenses for accommodation or meals are not subsidized. These must be worn by our dependents themselves.
Tip: Temporary care can not only take place in a nursing home on site, but also on holiday - in special nursing hotels.
