Briefly explained: everything about the care degree
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Care benefits for Care level 1
Care benefits for Care level 2
Care benefits for Care level 3
Care benefits for Care level 4
Care benefits for Care level 5
Purpose of a care degree calculator
A care degree calculator helps:
The aim is to help people in need of care or their relatives to assess their expected care level (1 to 5), to prepare for the assessment by the Medical Service (MD) and to get an initial idea of possible benefits (care allowance, care benefits in kind, etc.).
The calculator is based on the official assessment procedure (NBA - Neues Begutachtungsassessment), which has been in force since 2017.
It usually asks about different areas of life, e.g:
- Mobility (e.g. can the person get up or move independently?)
- Cognitive and communicative abilities (e.g. orientation, understanding, conducting conversations)
- Behavioral patterns and psychological problems (e.g. nocturnal restlessness, aggressiveness, fears)
- Self-care (e.g. personal hygiene, eating, dressing)
- Dealing with illness-related requirements (e.g. medication, doctor visits)
- Organization of everyday life and social contacts
The answers result in a score (0-100 points), which is then converted into a care level.
- Care level 1: 12.5 to 19 points – Low support needs
- Care level 2: 20 to 39 points – Ongoing need for support
- Care level 3: 40 to 60 points – Considerable support needs
- Care level 4: 61 to 85 points – Severe support needs
- Care level 5: 86 to 100 points – Most severe support needs
A care degree calculator is not an official assessment.
It only provides a guideline to know what to expect at the MD assessment appointment.
The final classification is made by the Medical Service of the Health Insurance Fund (MDK) or Medicproof (for privately insured persons).
Well prepared for the appraisal appointment
Tip: Good preparation makes the appointment easier and the result more accurate
Before the appointment
Confirm appointment: Check the appointment and make sure that a caregiver or relative can be present.
Provide documents: Collect medical reports, medication lists, hospital or rehab reports and, if applicable, care protocols.
Document everyday care: Make a note of the activities for which help is needed - e.g. getting up, eating, washing or going to the toilet.
List assistive devices: Write down which assistive devices are used, such as a rollator, shower chair or care bed.
Tip for upgrading care: Show the assessor previous assessments or notifications - this will make it easier to compare the current care requirements with the previous history.
During the appointment
Stay honest: Describe everyday life as it really is - even the difficult moments count.
Involve the caregiver: Relatives or care services can add important observations.
Do not feign routine: Do not pretend that everything is easier than it really is - the assessor should recognize the actual need.
After the appointment
Note your impressions: Make a brief note of how the appointment went and what points were discussed.
Check the result: When the result arrives, compare it with your records.
In case of uncertainty: You can lodge an objection within one month if you consider the care level to be too low.
Our final tip
Honest and careful preparation ensures that your actual care needs are fully assessed - and that you receive the level of care that really suits your situation.
Step-by-step to a care level
Inform care insurance fund
First contact the relevant care insurance fund and submit an application for care services. This can be done easily by phone, e-mail or letter - an informal application is sufficient to start with.
Fill in the application form
After submitting your application, you will receive a form - fill it out as accurately as possible so that your care needs can be correctly assessed.
Appointment for assessment
An expert from the MDK (for those with statutory insurance) or Medicproof (for those with private insurance) will arrange an appointment with you for an assessment at your home.
On-site assessment
Beim Termin bewertet der Gutachter, wie selbstständig die Person im Alltag ist – etwa bei Mobilität, Kommunikation, Verhalten, Selbstversorgung, Haushalt und sozialen Kontakten. Tipp: Das sind die Module, die auch im Pflegegradrechner aufgeführt sind.
Entscheidung der Pflegekasse
Die Pflegekasse entscheidet anhand des Gutachtens über den Pflegegrad und informiert Sie schriftlich. Vergleichen Sie das Ergebnis mit Ihren eigenen Notizen vom Gutachtertermin.
Lodge an objection
If your application has been rejected or you do not agree with the level of care, you can lodge an objection in writing within one month.
Download free care degree objection templateKnowledge that strengthens - for more safety and trust in care
