Suddenly in need of care - from first aid to appropriate care
The need for care is a topic that is rarely dealt with in everyday life. But when it does occur, it often happens without warning and presents those affected and their relatives with questions and problems that are difficult to deal with without help.
On these pages you will find helpful information and further advice on the subject of care, such as health care proxies, living wills and specific assistance options for care at home or in residential facilities.
© iStock.com/wiliams Anyone with statutory health insurance can obtain initial free information on the subject of care from the Bavaria Care Service (external link, opens in a new window) and their health insurance provider.
The Regensburg care support centre (external link, opens in a new window) offers regional advice and support for people in need of care of all ages, relatives and interested parties
For those with private health insurance, the Compass care counselling (external link, opens in a new window) service is available to answer all these questions.
The VDK offers free online presentations on the topics of care, health care proxy, pension and severe disability, more information here (external link, opens in a new window).
The nationwide care hotline 030 / 20 17 91 31 provides information on home care, statutory benefits and leave of absence options.
Care finder - The care exchange for Bavaria (external link, opens in a new window) from the Bavarian State Ministry of Health, Care and Prevention
You are also welcome to contact the Family Service of the UR.
A discussion group for family carers at UR takes place every first Monday of the month from 12.00 noon to 1.00 pm. You can find more information in this flyer on the discussion group for family carers (PDF) (opens in a new window). (This PDF is not accessible).
Reduction in working hours or time off to care for relatives
The Caregiver Leave Act (PflegeZG) enables employees to take up to six months off work to care for relatives in order to improve the work-life balance.
Entry into force: The Caregiver Leave Act came into force on 1 July 2008 and was last amended by the Act of 23 October 2024.
Objective: It is intended to give employees the opportunity to care for relatives in need of care at home without jeopardising their employment relationship.
Entitlements and rights
Short-term leave: Employees have the right to take up to ten working days off work in an acute care situation in order to organise or ensure care.
Carer's leave: Employees can take up to six months of full or partial leave from work to care for a relative in need of care. However, this only applies to companies with more than 15 employees.
Proof of need for care: The need for care of the relative must be proven by a certificate from the care insurance fund or the medical service.
Special protection against dismissal: During care leave, the employees concerned have special protection against dismissal.
Application procedure
Notification: Employees must inform their employer in text form at least ten working days before the start of care leave and specify the period and scope of the leave.
Part-time work: It is also possible to work part-time during care leave, although no minimum weekly working hours are specified.
Conclusion
The Caregiver Leave Act offers a flexible framework for employees who wish to care for relatives in need of care and promotes the compatibility of work and care. It is important to observe the specific requirements and procedures in order to successfully assert your claims.
Patient and carer's decree and health care proxy
- important documents that make it possible to record one's own wishes in health and legal matters and to ensure that these are observed in the event of an emergency.
1. Living will
A living will is a document that specifies which medical measures are desired or rejected in the event of incapacity. It allows you to clearly define your own wishes regarding medical treatment, e.g. whether you want life-prolonging measures or not. It is important that the living will is drawn up in writing and signed in person. It should be reviewed regularly and updated if necessary to ensure that it reflects current wishes.
2. Healthcare proxy
A health care proxy authorises one or more persons to act on behalf of the principal in legal matters if the principal is no longer able to do so. This can include medical decisions, financial matters or other legal issues. A health care proxy is particularly important to avoid a court appointing a guardian, which is often not in line with personal wishes. It is advisable to inform the authorised person in advance of your own wishes and values.
3. Advance care directive
A care directive is an expression of will that specifies who should be appointed as a carer in the event of court supervision. It is particularly relevant if a person is no longer able to manage their own affairs due to illness or disability. The care directive can also specify which persons should not be considered as carers.
Significance and recommendations
It is recommended to draw up these documents at an early stage to ensure that your will is respected in the event of an emergency. It is also advisable to seek professional advice when drawing up these documents to ensure that all legal requirements are met and that there are no contradictions between the documents.
By combining these documents, it is possible to make comprehensive provisions that cover both medical and legal aspects and safeguard self-determination even in difficult life situations.
Supply options
of relatives in need of care - almost always a major challenge
There are various options (external link, opens in a new window) for caring for a person in need of care, which are outlined here.
You are welcome to arrange a counselling appointment with the Family Service (opens your email program).
Long-term care insurance benefits
there is a wide range of long-term care insurance benefits
The benefits are summarised on the website of the Federal Ministry of Health (external link, opens in a new window). You can also contact your care insurance fund to enquire about the benefits and obtain advice.
You are also welcome to contact the Family Service at UR (opens your email program) (opens your email program).