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People in need of care from care level 1 have the option of applying for a relief contribution from the nursing care insurance fund. What many people don’t know: Help from neighbors – for example with shopping – can often be reimbursed through this. F.: IMAGO © Red
Gießen (pm). Even small household chores can be overwhelming for older people: changing the mattress, carrying a heavy shopping bag up the stairs, or cleaning the apartment. Not everyone has children nearby who can help, or friends who are still fit.
From care level 1 onwards, people in need of care are entitled to a monthly relief amount of 125 euros from their care insurance for support in everyday life. This amount is available in addition to other benefits from the care insurance. A professional service provider can be hired to provide support in everyday life. “Unfortunately, household support in particular, whether it be cleaning the apartment, doing the laundry or doing the weekly shopping, is often not available from professional service providers,” reports Christina Keißner, a consultant at the advice and coordination center for older people and people in need of care (BeKo) in Gießen. “There is a shortage of staff. Many people in need of care are therefore dependent on the help of neighbors and friends.”
Prerequisite: First aid course
People in need of care who live at home often receive voluntary support from their private environment. Neighbors or friends do shopping and errands, for example, or help with household chores. Since the Corona pandemic, qualified neighborhood helpers can receive an expense allowance through the relief amount under certain conditions. “Certain conditions must be met for this,” explains Nils Freitag, advisor at the care center. “Such neighborhood helpers require recognition from the district of Giessen as the responsible authority. To do this, they must have completed a first aid course no more than three years ago, or have a corresponding professional qualification, for example as a caregiver. In addition, helpers must not be related to the person in need of care up to the second degree or by marriage, and they must not be household members. A recognized helper can provide support for up to three people.”
According to the definition of the legislator, this is a voluntary position for which an expense allowance is provided. An hourly rate below the statutory minimum wage (12.41 euros) serves as a guideline for the expense allowance.
The 125 euros are not paid out. Expenses for neighborhood helpers must be paid in advance and the bills submitted to the nursing care fund for reimbursement. According to the regulations in Hesse – each federal state handles relief assistance differently – gardening work cannot be billed for more than the 125 euros. “Neighborhood help is a real issue for the future. We live in a time in which people are getting older on average and will increasingly be affected by a shortage of skilled workers in nursing. Low-threshold help and support as part of neighborhood help, such as cooking meals, running errands or going shopping, can help older people to stay in their home environment for as long as possible,” emphasizes Daniela Poppe, coordinator and consultant at BeKo. In addition, loneliness is counteracted and quality of life is improved. “The necessary official recognition is a certain hurdle, but we help to overcome this as far as possible.”
The BeKo and the care support point are available for questions and further information. Both advice centers are located at Kleine Mühlgasse 8 in Gießen. The BeKo can be reached on 0641/9790090, the care support point on 0641/48011720. During open consultation hours (Tuesdays 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and Wednesdays 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.) without an appointment. The advice is free. The BeKo and the care support point are central and first points of contact for the topic of care in the city and district of Gießen.
