Assistive Devices Make Daily Care Easier
Whether it is a walker, care bed, or incontinence supplies – assistive devices are indispensable in daily care. The good news: many of them are fully or partially covered by care insurance. Yet many families do not know which devices they are entitled to and how to apply. It is worth knowing your entitlements and actively using them.
What Types of Assistive Devices Are Available?
There are two main categories:
- Technical assistive devices: Care beds, wheelchairs, walkers, bathtub lifts, raised toilet seats, home emergency call systems
- Consumable care aids: Disposable gloves, disinfectant, bed protectors, face masks – up to 40 euros per month from care level 1
The assistive device directory of the GKV umbrella organization lists all reimbursable products. Your medical supply store or care counselor can help with selection.
Requirements for Cost Coverage
For care insurance to cover the costs, these conditions must be met:
- A recognized care level (at least care level 1)
- A medical prescription or recommendation from the Medical Service
- The device must be listed in the assistive device directory
- It must facilitate care, relieve symptoms, or promote independence
How to Apply Step by Step
- Identify the need: Discuss with the care team which devices would make daily life easier.
- Get a medical prescription: The family doctor issues a prescription. For consumable care aids, an informal application to the care insurance fund is often sufficient.
- Submit the application: Send the prescription along with an informal application to your care insurance fund. Briefly describe why the device is needed.
- Wait for approval: The care insurance fund reviews the application. For technical devices, the Medical Service may be consulted.
- Receive the device: After approval, you can obtain the device through a medical supply store or contracted partner.
What to Do If Denied
If your application is denied, you have the right to object. Important points:
- File a written objection within one month
- Include a justification for why the device is necessary
- Attach a medical opinion
- Care counseling centers or social welfare organizations help with objections free of charge
Consumable Care Aids: The Easy Way
For consumable aids up to 40 euros per month, there is a simplified route: many providers deliver a monthly care box directly to your home. You only need to submit a one-time application, and billing runs directly through the care insurance fund. Make sure the provider works with your care insurance fund.
Documentation Helps with Applications
The better you document the care needs, the more convincing your application will be. Record in which situations the device is needed and what limitations exist without it. With mendracare, you can capture these observations in the daily log and present them as evidence when needed.
