Short-term and respite care

To relieve caregiving relatives or in case of the absence of a caregiver (e.g., during vacation or illness), either short-term care or respite care can be utilized. While short-term care is generally only possible through a stay in a residential care facility, respite care can also be provided in the home environment through privately organized support (e.g., by friends or neighbors) or by an outpatient care service.

You can find available care places through the "Heimfinder NRW". The app is available for free in the Google Play Store and the Apple Store. On the internet, you can find the Heimfinder at www.heimfinder.nrw.de.

As a rule, both short-term and respite care services are available from the care fund to a certain extent. Since the services provided by the care fund are limited, they may not be sufficient to cover the required needs. In this case, it is possible to apply for social assistance. Depending on the financial situation (income and assets), uncovered costs can be covered.

Short-term care is also an option if, after a hospital stay, discharge home cannot be responsibly managed from a social-medical perspective despite outpatient care provided by a professional care service (so-called convalescence care). Convalescence care should already be applied for during the hospital stay to enable a smooth transfer from the hospital to the residential care facility. In this situation, the health insurance fund services are initially available. If these are not sufficient or the stay in the care facility exceeds the period approved by the health insurance fund, additional social assistance can be applied for.

The application, if necessary, can be submitted in writing or in person to the Social Welfare Office of the Oberbergischer Kreis or the Social Welfare Office of the municipality where the person in need of care resides. A care advisor is also available there to answer questions and provide information. When applying, proof of the income and asset situation of the person in need of care and, if applicable, the spouse must be provided. Additionally, the care fund's statement regarding the granting of benefits must be submitted.

For the incurred investment costs, there is legally regulated funding that can be applied for by the residential care facilities at the Oberbergischer Kreis.