The care degree appraisal is an important step in ensuring that care is provided in line with your needs. It is important to prepare as well as possible for the interview with the assessor in order to describe everyday challenges and individual needs in the best possible way.
In this series of articles, we present 10 tips to help you successfully navigate the care level assessment process. We provide valuable tips, starting with preparation and dealing with questions from the assessor, right through to documenting the interview.
With our tips, we would like to help you to get the best possible result from the care degree assessment and to design your care optimally. Read our tips now and prepare yourself optimally for the upcoming assessment.
Convince the assessor with a comprehensive description of your situation and thus find your appropriate care degree.
Tip: Have confidence in your experience and your ability to successfully conduct the interview with the assessor.
Tips for the care degree assessment: Tip #1 – Preparation
The first tip for the care level assessment is preparation. It is important to inform yourself in advance about the procedure of the assessment and to prepare yourself for questions that might be asked. This also includes collecting documents such as medical reports, care plans or therapy reports.
Another important preparation is the interview with the nursing staff and the relatives. Here, important information can be gathered about the state of health of the patient to be assessed. The questionnaire for the care level assessment should also be filled out in advance and checked for any ambiguities.
Good preparation can help to ensure that no important information is forgotten during the assessment and that a realistic picture of the need for care is created. This can also reduce nervousness and uncertainty during the assessment.
- Find out more about the assessment process
- Collect important documents
- Have a conversation with caregivers and family members
- Fill out questionnaire and check for ambiguities
Tips for the care level assessment: Tip #2
A care degree assessment can often be stressful for relatives. That is why it is helpful to know the procedure of the assessment.
First, the assessor will ask questions about the general state of health, such as existing diseases or medication. This is followed by the assessment of physical and mental abilities.
The assessor will also examine the patient’s environment to evaluate the individual care situation. The premises, furniture and care aids are also assessed.
It is important to provide the assessor with all relevant information and to answer open questions. In this way, a realistic assessment of the care situation can be made, which in turn increases the chances of obtaining the highest possible care degree.
- Prepare the relevant documents in advance.
- Answer all of the expert’s questions truthfully.
- Point out special features of the care situation that the assessor may not be able to recognize directly.
Tip #3: File an objection
If you disagree with the outcome of the care level assessment, you have the right to appeal the decision.
This appeal must be made in writing and submitted within four weeks of receipt of the decision. You should explain your criticisms in detail and, if necessary, attach documents or witnesses to support your statements.
An appeal can also be useful if you are satisfied with your care degree, but certain services or measures have been rejected. In this case, too, it is worthwhile to file an objection and to present your arguments again in the course of an objection procedure.
An appeal process may take some time, but it is worth it if you are convinced that the decision of the care level assessment is wrong or inadequate. In many cases, an appeal can result in additional benefits or higher degrees of care.
Tips for a successful care degree assessment
An important step in applying for a care degree is the assessment by a care assessor. This assessment decides which care level the applicant is assigned and which benefits he or she is entitled to receive. To ensure that the assessment is successful, there are a few tips to keep in mind.
Good preparation is the be-all and end-all. This includes gathering information about the applicant, his or her clinical pictures and medical findings, as well as about the care services required. It can also be helpful to have a list of questions to ask the reviewer.
During the appraisal, it is important to be honest and open with the appraiser and answer all questions truthfully. You should also get actively involved and make your needs and wishes clear. Support from a relative or a trusted person can help here.
- To study information material on the subject of care degree and appraisal in advance
- Prepare for the assessment and have all the necessary documents ready
- Be honest with the assessor and answer all questions truthfully
- Actively inform the assessor about the care situation and your own needs and wishes
- To seek support from a relative or a trusted person
A successful assessment can assign the appropriate level of care to the claimant, allowing better access to financial benefits and professional care assistance.
Tip #5: What you should know about the care allowance
The care allowance is a financial support for people in need of care and their relatives. It is paid out monthly and is based on the degree of care and the care level. The care allowance can be used for all costs of care, such as aids, medicines or even for daily needs.
However, there are conditions that must be met in order to receive long-term care benefits. This includes, among other things, a regular review of the care needs. The nursing care insurance company provides an expert for this purpose, who determines the nursing care degree and thus also the amount of the nursing care allowance.
It is important to know that the care allowance does not have to be taxed and is not offset against social benefits. Nevertheless, it is advisable to inform yourself about the various possibilities and conditions of the care allowance in order to receive the maximum support.
- The care allowance is based on the degree of care and the care level
- It can be used to cover any care costs incurred
- A regular review of your care needs is necessary
- The care allowance is tax-free and does not count towards social benefits