Care levels and support services in Germany

In Germany, determining care levels (Pflegegrade) is essential for accessing long-term care insurance benefits. The Medical Service (MD) uses a point-based system to assess individuals who require support for at least six months due to health impairments. This assessment covers six fundamental areas of life, including mobility and cognitive or communicative abilities.

There is also a critical distinction between medical 24-hour care and 24-hour domestic support. While families often use these terms interchangeably, medical care involving tasks like wound treatment or injections must be performed by qualified professionals from outpatient services. In contrast, 24-hour domestic support involves a caregiver living in the household to assist with daily routines, meals, and household management, rather than providing continuous medical intervention.