Policy papers
Determining eligibility for long-term care - lessons from Germany
Authors:
Andreas Buescher ,
University of Applied Sciences Osnabrueck, DE
About Andreas
Prof. Dr., Institute of Nursing Science at the University of Bielefeld, PO Box 100131, D- 33501 Bielefeld, Germany; University of Applied Sciences Osnabrück, Faculty of Business Administration and Social Sciences, PO Box 1940, D-49009 Osnabrück, Germany
Klaus Wingenfeld,
Institute of Nursing Science at the University of Bielefeld (IPW), DE
About Klaus
Dr. PH, Institute of Nursing Science at the University of Bielefeld, PO Box 100131, D- 33501 Bielefeld, Germany
Doris Schaeffer
Institute of Nursing Science at the University of Bielefeld, DE
About Doris
Prof. Dr., Institute of Nursing Science at the University of Bielefeld, PO Box 100131, D- 33501 Bielefeld, Germany
Abstract
Objectives: This paper addresses recent steps for reforming the eligibility criteria of the German long-term care insurance that have been initiated to overcome shortcomings in the current system.
Methods: Based on findings of a survey of international long-term care systems, assessment tools and the relevant literature on care needs a new tool for determining eligibility in the German long-term care insurance was developed.
Results: The new tool for determining long-term care eligibility broadens the understanding of what ‚dependency on nursing care' implies for the person affected. The assessment results in a degree of dependency from personal help provided by formal or informal caregivers. This degree of dependency can be used for determining eligibility for and the amount of long-term care benefits.
Discussion: The broader understanding of "dependency on nursing care' and the new tool are important steps to adapt the German long-term care insurance to the challenges of the demographic and societal changes in the future
How to Cite:
Buescher A, Wingenfeld K, Schaeffer D. Determining eligibility for long-term care - lessons from Germany. International Journal of Integrated Care. 2011;11(2):None. DOI: http://doi.org/10.5334/ijic.584
Published on
08 Jun 2011.
Peer Reviewed
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