A stroke is a frightening experience – both for the person affected and for their loved ones. We are aware of this and would therefore like to provide you with a guide that offers you answers to some of your questions and not only informs you, but also gives you hope.

Because you are not alone, there is support for those affected and their relatives, from acute care immediately after the stroke through to rehabilitation and long-term care. We would like to use this guide to show you your options.

A guide to applying for a care degree, sick pay and leave

A stroke poses numerous challenges not only for the person affected, but also for their relatives. In order to receive the necessary support, it is important to find out about financial and organizational assistance at an early stage. Here are the steps on how relatives can apply for help in the form of a care degree, sick pay and leave.

Contents:

1. How do I apply for a care degree?
2. Can I apply for further financial support?
3. Can I take leave to support the person concerned?
4. Who can help me with this?
5. How do I manage to fill out the mountain of applications?

How do I apply for a care degree?

The degree of care is decisive for receiving financial support and care services. The application for a care degree can be submitted to the care insurance fund. This application contains information about the person’s state of health, their abilities in everyday life and the type of support required. It is advisable to enclose medical documents, expert opinions and nursing assessments to support the application.

In Germany, the degree of care is assessed by the Medical Service of the Health Insurance Fund (MDK) or Medicproof in the case of private health insurance companies.

You can also find out more on the website of the Federal Ministry of Health: https://www.bundesgesundheitsministerium.de/.

Application:

• The application for a care degree is submitted to the responsible care insurance fund. This can be the long-term care insurance fund of the statutory health insurance (e.g. AOK, TK, Barmer) or private long-term care insurance.

• The application can be made in writing or online. The long-term care insurance companies often offer corresponding forms on their websites.

Make an appointment for the assessment:

• Once the application has been received, the long-term care insurance fund will arrange an appointment for the assessment by the MDK or Medicproof.

• The appointment is usually held at the applicant’s home.

Assessment by the MDK/Medicproof:

• An employee of the MDK or Medicproof will assess the applicant’s state of health.

• Various aspects such as physical and mental limitations, mobility, self-care, cognitive abilities and mental health are assessed.

• The assessor uses the so-called “assessment assessment” (NBA) to determine the level of care.

• If the visit comes on one of the person’s “good days”, do not hesitate to point out the areas where the person has difficulties and needs help or supervision

Decision of the long-term care insurance fund:

• Based on the MDK or Medicproof report, the long-term care insurance fund makes a decision on the level of care.

• The applicant receives a written notification stating the degree of care awarded and the associated benefits.

Possibility of objection:

• If the applicant does not agree with the decision, it is possible to lodge an appeal.

• Applicants should contact their care insurance fund for information on the exact steps required for an objection.

It is important to note that the care level can be reviewed regularly and adjusted if necessary if the state of health of the person in need of care changes. Relatives or other support persons can support and accompany the applicant throughout the entire process.

Can I apply for further financial support?

Relatives who have to reduce or interrupt their work due to caring for a stroke patient may be entitled to sickness benefit. This can be handled by the relative’s health insurance fund. A medical certificate confirming the need for care is often required. Relatives should contact the health insurance company in good time and submit the necessary documents.

Care allowance:

If the stroke patient is awarded a care level, this can also have an impact on financial support. Care allowance is paid directly to the person in need of care or to the person providing the care. The amount of the care allowance depends on the level of care.

Care support allowance:

Relatives who take time off work or reduce their working hours to care for a family member can receive care support allowance under certain conditions. This is paid as compensation for lost income.

Relatives Relief Act (AEG):

The Relief for Relatives Act offers support for family caregivers by providing a relief amount that can be used to finance care and relief services.

Tax relief:

Under certain conditions, family caregivers can claim tax relief, for example by deducting care expenses as extraordinary expenses or by claiming the lump-sum care allowance.

Social assistance and other financial support:

In special situations, family carers can also make use of other forms of financial support such as social assistance, housing benefit or support from charitable organizations.

In order to determine the individual options for financial support as a family caregiver after a stroke, it is advisable to contact the local care advice service, the care insurance fund or other social advice centers. They can provide information about the benefits available and help with the application process.

Can I take leave to support the person concerned?

In many countries, relatives have the right to time off or leave to care for a seriously ill family member. The duration and conditions may vary depending on the country and employment relationship. It is important to contact your employer at an early stage to discuss the options and conditions for time off or unpaid leave. In some cases, partial leave of absence or flexible working hours can also be agreed.

Yes, in Germany, family carers have the right to take time off to care for family members who are in need of care due to illness or disability. This is referred to as care leave or short-term absence from work and is regulated in the Care Leave Act (PflegeZG). Here are the most important points:

Care time:

• Care leave can be taken for up to six months.

• During this period, the employment relationship is suspended, i.e. the employee has the right to stop working temporarily without being dismissed.

• The employee is entitled to state long-term care insurance, which provides financial security during the care period.

Short-term inability to work:

• Short-term absence from work can be taken for up to ten working days per calendar year in order to cope with unforeseen care situations.

• During this time, the employee is entitled to continued payment of wages by the employer.

Prerequisites:

• Care leave and short-term absence from work can only be claimed if the person in need of care is a family member and has at least care degree 1.

• The employee must apply to the employer in writing at least ten days in advance for care leave or short-term absence from work.

Application:

• Applications for care leave and short-term absence from work are submitted to the employer. The employer is obliged to check and approve the application.

Return to the workplace:

• The employee has the right to return to work at the end of the care period or short-term absence. There is protection against dismissal during the care period.

These measures are intended to enable family carers to look after their family members without losing their job or having to accept financial losses. However, it is important to find out about the exact conditions and options with your employer and the relevant authorities.

Who can help me with this?

take advantage of social counseling:

Social counselors and care services can provide valuable support with the application process. They are often familiar with the bureaucratic procedures and can help to compile the necessary documents. A visit to the relevant long-term care insurance fund or social welfare office can help to clarify unanswered questions and make the application process easier.

Self-help groups and stroke support services can also provide support. Take a look at the German Stroke Aid website: https://www.schlaganfall-hilfe.de/de/fuer-betroffene/alltag-mit-schlaganfall/angehoerige/adressen-fuer-angehoerige.

How do I manage to fill out the mountain of applications?

Completing a large number of applications for a person affected by a stroke can be a challenging task, but there are ways to manage it:

• Prioritization:
  

Start with the applications that are most urgent for the immediate care and support of the person concerned. This may include applications for medical care, rehabilitation or financial support.

• Organization:
  

Gather all the necessary documents and information before you start filling out the applications. Create a checklist to make sure you don’t forget anything and have the documents ready in a neat folder or file.

• Looking for support:
  

Do not be afraid to seek help with the processing of applications. These can be family members, friends or even professional advisors. Sometimes organizations for stroke patients also offer support with administrative tasks.

• Time management:
  

Plan regular blocks of time to devote exclusively to completing the applications. Divide the task into smaller, feasible steps and set yourself realistic goals to avoid overloading yourself.

• Set priorities:
  

Focus first on the applications that have a direct impact on the health and well-being of the person concerned. These can be applications for medical care, rehabilitation, therapy or financial support.

• Documentation:
  

Keep a careful record of all applications, correspondence and supporting documents sent. This can be helpful later on to keep an overview and access information when needed.

• Take breaks:
  

It is important not to overtax yourself. Take regular breaks to relax and recharge your batteries. Self-care is crucial in order to be able to be there for the person concerned in the long term.

• Be patient:
  

Filling out applications can be time-consuming and frustrating, especially when it comes to bureaucratic processes. Stay patient and keep at it, even when things get difficult.

• Seek support from your family network:
  

Family members, friends or neighbors can play an important role in supporting relatives. The tasks can be distributed over several shoulders to reduce the workload. Emotional support is also very important during this time.

By using these strategies and realizing that you don’t have to do everything at once, you can work through the mountain of applications one by one and ensure that the person concerned receives the support they need.

Applying for a care degree, sick pay and leave in good time is crucial in order to receive the necessary support in caring for a stroke patient. Navigating the bureaucratic processes can be challenging, but the help it provides is invaluable to the care and recovery of the individual.