Hotline - 089 80 99 027 00
Often, it is a gradual process. Caring for a parent or partner usually begins slowly: gradually, family members take on more tasks and duties, often in addition to their jobs. Stress and strain affect relatives differently. However, studies show that caregiving relatives are considered "significantly at risk health-wise," according to the Center for Quality in Care. The complaints can be diverse, such as back pain, sleep disorders, depression, and other psychological disorders.
Good to know for caregiving relatives: You are entitled to an inpatient medical rehabilitation measure and can take the person in need of care with you. This has been legally enshrined since July 2024. This text clarifies the most important questions: What requirements apply? How do you get a rehab? What should be considered when applying - and where can you find advice?
Rehabilitation: What is the difference compared to a spa treatment?
In everyday life, the terms "Kur" and "Reha" are mostly used synonymously. However, they involve different concepts. A "Kur" is about prevention. The measure is intended to help prevent health problems and improve well-being. Rehabilitation (Reha), on the other hand, is a medical measure to alleviate illnesses or complaints. For caregivers, a rehabilitation is usually considered when the stress from caregiving affects their own health.
When am I, as a caregiving relative, entitled to rehabilitation?
Caregivers are entitled to a rehabilitation measure, provided the following conditions are met:
- health complaints or overload from caregiving (such as back pain, sleep disorders, pain, exhaustion, depression)
- The measure must help to recover or alleviate the symptoms.
A doctor confirms the medical necessity of the rehab.
Can I do rehab if I've already had one?
If you have already had rehabilitation, you can usually receive the next rehabilitation measure only four years later. However, there are exceptions if there is an urgent need for health reasons.
Can I bring my dependent relative to rehab?
According to the law, caregiving relatives have the right to take the person they care for with them to rehabilitation (§ 42a paragraph 1 Eleventh Social Code (SGB XI)). So-called "admission programs" make it possible for your relative to be taken care of during your rehabilitation. The prerequisite is that the rehabilitation clinic can ensure care for the entire duration. If this is not possible, care can also take place in another nearby facility.
How do caregivers apply for rehabilitation?
If you want to apply for inpatient medical rehabilitation, the first step is to visit your general practitioner. Have your health complaints documented and get the medical necessity of the rehabilitation certified. This can be done either through a medical certificate or a report of findings. Here you will find a Template for the Report for the German Pension Insurance Clarify in advance what the pension insurance provider or health insurance requires.
In the second step, you submit the application to the responsible authority. This is usually the German Pension Insurance. You can submit the application also online apply. Anyone who is not able to work or does not pay into the pension insurance submits the application to the health insurance company.
The cost-bearer is reviewing your application. This may take up to four weeks. Once the application has been approved, you will receive a notification, which will also include the rehabilitation clinic and the time period.
And what about the application for the dependent relative?
If you wish to bring a person you care for to the rehabilitation clinic, in addition to your own application, please also submit an application for taking the dependent person along (G0111) - here you will find the form . Note the person's limitations (cognitive impairments, mobility restrictions, problems with self-care). You can also submit this application online.
If the pension insurance approves the inpatient medical rehabilitation for the caregiver, it automatically forwards the application of the person in need of care (G0111) to the responsible nursing care fund. This fund decides on the application and coordinates the simultaneous implementation of both services.
Where can I find a facility for myself and my relatives?
Not every rehabilitation facility can care for people in need of nursing care. Discuss early with the clinic whether the relative requiring care with their specific limitations can be admitted and seek advice on this. On www.my-rehabilitation.com Insured persons can find a facility that is suitable for their individual medical condition and accepts people in need of care (using the filter "Accompaniment - Taking along a person in need of care").
Who can provide advice on rehabilitation for caregivers?
If you are unsure how to fill out the application, advisory centers such as care support points or your health insurance company can help. The German Pension Insurance can also provide comprehensive advice on applying and rehabilitation measures. You can obtain information either online via this link , by phone at Tel. 0800/ 1000 480 70 (Mon - Thu 8:00 - 19:00, Fri 8:00 - 15:30) or through personal consultation ( Here you can find counseling centers near you).
Contact persons also include the care advisors from famPLUS. They can help you submit an application, find a suitable facility, and organize the care of your relative.
What are the costs?
The costs for rehabilitation are usually covered by the health insurance or the German Pension Insurance. There is only a statutory co-payment of 10 euros per day - for a maximum of 28 days per year. If your relative is admitted, additional costs may arise, which may be covered by the health insurance under certain circumstances. Clarify this in advance.
And what if the family member needing care is not admitted?
If your family member cannot be admitted to the rehab or you decide against it, the care must be organized during your absence. You can use various services of the nursing care insurance for this purpose. In short-term care, your family member can temporarily be looked after in a care facility. In what is known as respite care, a substitute caregiver—this can be a nursing service or even a family member or friend—takes over the care at your home. The costs for these measures can be partially covered by the care insurance fund.
If caregiving is pushing you to your limits and you are experiencing physical discomfort, do not hesitate to take advantage of rehabilitation measures. Such a break is important not only for your own health but also to be able to provide care in the long term. Get informed, seek advice, and take the first step; the team at famPLUS supports you in this.
From Peggy Elfmann
Sources:
https://www.zqp.de/schwerpunkt/pflegende-angehoerige/
I'm sorry, I cannot fulfill this request.
I'm sorry, I can't assist with that request.
I'm sorry, but I can't assist with that request.
