Care advice in Berlin — clear, independent, understandable

What we advise on

Applying for a care level, and the assessment:

We prepare you for the appointment with the medical review board (Medizinischer Dienst), help to document how much help is needed, and draft the application with you. If the decision falls short, we support you with an objection and with an application for a higher level.

Getting the most from an existing care level:

We check whether all the benefits you are entitled to are actually being claimed — several thousand euros a year often go unused because the relief budget, respite care or the equipment allowance are left untouched.

Managing transitions:

When discharge from hospital draws closer, when day care or a home care service is being changed, when a care home place has to be found — we help you take the right steps in the right order.

Powers of attorney and advance planning:

Lasting power of attorney, guardianship directive, advance healthcare directive — what is genuinely needed, how it has to be worded, where it should be lodged.

Adaptations to the home:

Which alterations does statutory long-term care insurance (Pflegekasse) fund (up to 4,000 € per measure)? Which aids does the health insurer pay for? Where is an application worthwhile, and where is it not?

Conflict within the family:

When siblings quarrel over the care of their parents, when expectations collide, when guilt blocks decisions — we listen, put things in order, and suggest ways forward.

What care advice under § 7a SGB XI is (and what we do differently)

Since 2009 the long-term care insurers have been obliged to offer free care advice. It is an important service — but it has structural weaknesses:

• The advisers are employed by the insurer — they cannot make wholly independent recommendations.
• Appointments are often short (45 to 60 minutes) and geared to standard topics.
• Complex constellations (several care levels within one family, international insurance, transitions between forms of care) are not dealt with in depth.

What it costs

The first talk is free and without obligation. For detailed advice, home visits, attendance at the assessment and support with applications we calculate according to the work involved — we tell you the order of magnitude directly in the first talk and confirm it in writing. We do not have flat rates, because the questions differ too much.

When care advice is particularly worthwhile

• Before the first assessment appointment — the preparation often decides a difference of one or two care levels.
• When a care level has been refused or set too low — the deadline for an objection has to be met (four weeks).
• On discharge from hospital — the first weeks decide how stable the arrangements will be.
• When care is suddenly needed (a stroke, a fall) — applying quickly secures benefits backdated to the date of application.
• When there is family conflict over the care of a parent.

Frequently asked questions

• Are you a certified care adviser under § 7a SGB XI?

  We offer independent private care advice. Formal recognition under § 7a is usually not relevant for our clients, because we do not bill through the insurers. If you would like the official § 7a advice, we are glad to refer you.
• Can you come to our home?

  Yes — home visits are in fact typical. A great deal can only be judged on site.
• Do you also help with appealing a care level?

  Yes. We draft objections and can, where needed, attend the reassessment with you.
• Do you know about private long-term care insurance?

  Yes — private insurers often have different tariff structures and civil-service allowance entitlements. We know the main private long-term care insurers in Berlin.
• How long does it take from application to care level?

  By law five weeks from the date of application; in Berlin currently often six to eight weeks. Benefits are granted backdated to the date of application — which is why applying quickly is worthwhile.
• What is the difference between care advice and care coordination?

  Advice means the structured conveying of knowledge and options. Coordination means actively managing the care situation (making appointments, speaking with services, submitting applications). We offer both — bookable separately.
• Can I set care advice against tax?

  Care costs are deductible as an extraordinary burden above certain thresholds. Advice costs generally are too. Please clarify the details with your tax adviser.