Being a caregiver is an important and fulfilling task, but also one that comes with a great deal of time and effort, stress and sometimes even overwhelm. Many people who care for their loved ones struggle to balance this responsibility with the many other tasks of daily life. But it doesn't have to be that way.
Of course, everyone wants to provide the maximum care and attention to those who are close to him or her. But especially when the need for care arises suddenly, busy everyday life rarely allows for such a radical change without neglecting other priorities. Children caring for their parents in particular are often in the middle of life, in the middle of their careers, in the middle of family planning - so how can they reconcile all this with caregiving without neglecting anything?
The top priority: seek help early
First things first: When it comes to caring for relatives, no one is left alone. The German social system supports not only those affected by the need for care, but also their relatives in ensuring that each individual is cared for. In addition, there is a wide range of service providers that cooperate with health insurance companies and care associations to offer services perfectly tailored to the real care situation, eliminating many time-consuming tasks.
The first step is usually to apply for a care degree from the care insurance company of the cared-for relative. The application forms sent by the care insurance fund can be daunting simply because of the amount of technical terms they contain, but you can already get help on board here: an expert from a care support center, for example, will explain and help until the completed form can be sent off. The next steps will be taken care of by the long-term care insurance fund. If there are any questions, you can also answer them with the help of your expert.
Eyes on the care degree: Take advantage of all offers
Once the care level has been determined, it is worth taking a close look at the benefits associated with it for long-term planning. After all, these benefits often go far beyond money and save caregivers not only financial expenses, but also a lot of effort and trouble that they would otherwise have had to invest.
On the one hand, measures are promoted and aids provided that maintain and even increase the mobility of those in need of care so that they are able to cope with certain situations independently again. These can include simple aids such as standing-up aids or donning aids for compression stockings, but also much more - from cutlery holders and shower stools to wheelchairs and stair lifts. Every task that the person in need of care can do for himself or herself again not only strengthens his or her independence and well-being, but is also one less burden for his or her caregivers.
Care products of your choice - exactly for your needs
On the other hand, so-called aids for consumption are also covered by the nursing care insurance fund. This term covers everything that is necessary for care, but is consumed in the process and therefore always has to be purchased anew, including mouth guards and disposable gloves, hand and surface disinfectants, bed pads or disposable aprons.
In this case, it is helpful and relieving to leave the procurement and delivery of said aids to a company specializing in this area, which delivers everything necessary on a monthly basis and settles the account directly with the care insurance company, so that both the leisure time and the wallet of the caregiver remain unburdened.
If you want to integrate the care of your relatives into your everyday life, you need to look for reliable partners and not be afraid to delegate tasks to them.