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Care allowance for one's own child
Manuela Bugdaycioglu is a certified care consultant and specialist in outpatient intensive care. For many years, she has been advising parents on applying for a care level for their child. She knows: "Almost all parents who contact me are initially surprised that children can also receive a care level, especially when the child suffers from a mental or psychological illness.
With her consulting services, she aims to at least relieve parents financially and organizationally during this distressing and exhausting (initial) period.
We are pleased to welcome Manuela Bugdaycioglu as a new crew member at famPLUS and had a conversation with her, gaining some interesting insights into applying for a care level for children.
Ms. Bugdaycioglu, why should one consider applying for a care level for their own child?
The care allowance often allows a parent to reduce their weekly working hours to be more available for the child. The amount of the care allowance depends on the level of care required. The higher the level of care, the higher the care allowance. Additionally, self-pay therapies, such as equine therapy or neurofeedback, can be financed with the care allowance. Moreover, a child with a care level receives easier access to support such as school accompaniment, child rehabilitation, everyday assistance, and socio-educational help.
Many parents fear disadvantages for their child if it receives a care level.
Here I can reassure you: the level of care does not need to be reported to the school or the authorities. The only disadvantage I am aware of is that getting accepted into a private health insurance is probably not possible. But this is usually already difficult due to the diagnosis alone. Even without a level of care.
What basic requirements must be met for a child to receive a care level?
First of all, the Care and support requirements significantly higher be higher than that of a healthy child of the same age. For example, if the child needs support with taking medication or with walking. Even for a child with severe ADHD who needs to be guided and reminded at every step, a nursing care level classification is possible.
Secondly, the Diagnosis in writing be confirmed. During the assessment, this is recorded as a "care-justifying diagnosis".
Thirdly, we must formal requirements given: The insured parent must have been insured with a nursing care fund for at least two years within the ten years preceding the application.
Who determines the level of care?
For those with mandatory insurance, the level of care is determined by the medical service of the health insurance companies. For those privately insured, "Medicproof" is responsible, and for the Knappschaft, it is the task of their own social medical service.
The services visit the applicants at home for one to one and a half hours. I advise parents to be accompanied by a professional – a care consultant, the children's nursing service, or the care experts. Unfortunately, there are only a few assessors who are well-versed in children's illnesses and can adequately capture the limitations.
What exactly does it mean if my child is granted a level of care?
At Care Level 1 A relief budget is available to parents. This can be used for child care or domestic support. Additionally, from care level 1, there is an entitlement to a subsidy for "home environment improvement measures," such as door threshold ramps for wheelchairs, lockable windows, or a bathroom renovation.
In addition, each child in need of care is entitled to care consumables amounting to 40 euros per month. This can be used to pay for things like bed protection pads, gloves, and disinfectants.
Ab Care level 2 the parents receive the monthly care allowance as well as a budget for "preventive care." This can be used for care by another person or for attending a holiday camp.
If a child is to be cared for by a nursing service or in an inpatient facility, "in-kind benefits" can be received. The care is billed directly with the care fund.
What are the grants based on? Is family income decisive?
All services of the care fund are income-independent . Care allowance must not be counted towards unemployment benefits, and financially disadvantaged families can additionally apply for the social assistance benefit "Assistance for Care".
Is there a subsidy for the vacation?
Unfortunately, no. In Germany, only in Bavaria is there a subsidy for caregiving relatives. The Free State pays each person in need of care with care level 2 and above 1000 euros once a year.
Is there also a care level when the care is palliative?
If the child is in hospice care, an expedited procedure must be conducted – within a week – a decision on the level of care needs to be made.
However, the same applies: "Yes," because especially in this difficult situation, it is extremely important that the parents receive professional and relieving help. The attending physician can even prescribe palliative care in this case. Then the specialized outpatient palliative care (SAPV) team takes care of the concerns and needs of the child and the parents.
If the child has been granted a level of care, the parents are required to undergo care counseling. What does that entail?
Parents of a child with Care Level 1 may avail themselves of the consultation according to §37 paragraph 3 SGB VI every six months, but are not obliged to do so.
At Care level 2 and 3 must undergo mandatory counseling every six months, with Care Level 4 and 5 take place quarterly. Generally, the approximately one-hour consultation visit takes place at the family's home.*
I find it unfortunate, however, that it is referred to as a mandatory consultation. If conducted by a good consultant, the appointments can be very helpful for parents. The appointments are meant to discuss any questions and uncertainties about care and support and to be shown important contacts or possible solutions.
Who is responsible for this mandatory consultation?
The care fund. All recognized independent counseling centers or care advisors settle the consultation directly with the statutory long-term care insurance. Privately insured individuals must pay the invoice in advance and submit it to the health insurance company for reimbursement.
What childcare options are available when both parents are working?
If the child needs to be cared for regularly, the parents can look for a caregiver and settle this through preventive care services or the relief amount. They can also hire a care service.
In any case, one should be informed about the regional offers by the care advisor.
Basically, every child has the right to participate in kindergarten and school, education, etc. In the best case, the child can attend an inclusive daycare or school. If needed, an integration aide can be provided through the youth welfare offices to accompany the child in school, after-school care, or daycare. However, a therapeutic daycare center, where therapeutic and social pedagogical services are offered, may also be considered.
If the child only needs a "caregiver on call" at home, parents can seek support through respite care services, care allowances, or other relief options, such as a family relief service (FED). A child care service can also be used here.
For children who rely on home ventilation or are otherwise constantly at vital risk, there is an entitlement to one-on-one care by an intensive care service.
Ms. Bugdaycioglu, thank you for this detailed information. Do you have any final tip for our readers?
Yes. Two, actually.
My first tip: Check if your child is eligible for a disability card, especially if your child has been assigned a care level. This can provide you with further benefits in taxes and certain everyday activities.
My second tip: My experience over the past few years has shown that parents need to carefully consider who they tell about the level of care. Not everyone will understand, and in the worst case, it could attract envy. It’s sad, but unfortunately, it happens repeatedly.
by Nicole Beste-Fopma
