Emergency Call System & Care Grade: What really changes with a care grade
Why Care Grade and Emergency Call Systems Are So Closely Linked
A care grade is the ticket to benefits from long-term care insurance – but not every benefit automatically applies to every system. Especially when it comes to emergency calls, misjudgments often occur: Some expect full cost coverage, others refrain due to uncertainty – even though a subsidy would be possible.
Important to know: An emergency call system counts as a technical aid (e.g., home emergency call) and can be subsidized – and there are also models like the Gardia emergency call wristband with a PflegePlus subscription, where the monthly subscription costs can be covered by the long-term care insurance fund (depending on individual case review), if certain conditions are met.
Care Grade Explained: How it is Determined
Classification is based on the New Assessment Procedure (NBA) using a point system (0–100). Typical thresholds:
-
Care Grade 1: 12.5 to under 27 points
-
Care Grade 2: 27 to under 47.5 points
-
Care Grade 3: 47.5 to under 70 points
The higher the grade, the greater the restriction in independence – and the more services are available.
What really changes with care level 1
Even with care level 1, initial support is beneficial: those in need are still largely independent, but safety in everyday life becomes more important.
Benefits starting from care level 1:
-
Relief amount: €131/month for services that make everyday life easier
- Nursing aids: e.g., aids for mobility or safety
- Emergency call system subsidy: Health insurance funds can cover up to €25.50 per month from care level 1, if the requirements are met (e.g., living alone and unable to call for help themselves in an emergency).
Why Gardia?
The bracelet is easy to put on, suitable for everyday use, and works both at home and on the go – so safety is not just an idea, but an integral part of your daily life. Includes intelligent FallGuard360° fall detection.
Care Level 2: More Support – Often the "Aha Moment" for Relatives
Care level 2 means: significant impairment, regular help becomes more realistic. With care level 2, the need for support increases significantly, as regular help becomes more likely.
- Care allowance: approx. €316 / month
- Care benefits in kind: approx. €689 / month
- Relief amount: €131 / month
What this means for emergency call systems:
At care level 2 at the latest, an emergency call system often ceases to be "nice to have" and becomes part of the safety strategy – especially if people are still active but the risk of falling or insecurity increases.
Care Grade 3: Increased Need, Increased Organization – Emergency Call Becomes Part of the Care Logic
With care level 3, the need for support increases significantly, as regular daily help becomes necessary.
Benefits (statutory):
-
Care allowance: approx. €545/month
-
In-kind care benefits: approx. €1,298/month
-
Relief amount: €131/month
What this means:
From care level 3, reliability in daily life becomes particularly important. Emergency call systems are especially helpful here if they clearly structure processes – for example, via contact chains, priority lists, or connection to control centers/relatives – and remain simple and uncomplicated.
✔ A care degree can open access to benefits
✔ Emergency call service subsidy: up to €25.50 per month (subject to conditions)
✔ With Gardia: CarePlus subscription possible from €0 / month if the long-term care insurance covers the monthly subscription costs.
✔ Requirements for cost coverage: care degree of at least 1, often living alone/independently, and it must be plausible that an emergency situation could occur.
Relieve relatives, clarify processes
Clearly manage emergency contacts, their order, and important information – to ensure quick help in an emergency.
FAQ/Frequently asked questions
From which care level is an emergency call system particularly worthwhile?
An emergency call system is particularly worthwhile whenever safety in everyday life is important. It provides quick access to help when something happens – for example, in the event of falls, sudden illnesses, or other emergencies.
An emergency call system is particularly useful when:
- People live alone or are temporarily without direct support.
- Quick response is crucial in an emergency.
- It is about increasing the feeling of safety and independence without relatives having to be constantly on site.
💡 In short:
An emergency call system is a sensible investment for anyone who wants safety and peace of mind in everyday life – regardless of their care level.
Is an emergency call system always covered by long-term care insurance?
No, that depends on the prerequisites and the specific model/scope of services. Often there are subsidies (e.g. emergency call system up to €25.50 monthly) or subscription models with individual case assessment.
What is the most common misconception about care levels & emergency calls?
Focusing solely on "cost absorption" – instead of first clarifying who responds in an emergency and whether the system is truly supported in everyday life.
Is a simple button enough – or do I need fall detection/GPS?
If the risk of falling is high or people are often alone, automatic detection is often useful. GPS is particularly relevant if the person is regularly out and about.
What should relatives clarify before making a purchase?
An emergency call system is only as good as its practical application. Before purchasing, relatives should clarify who will be contacted in an emergency, how key access is arranged, and who is available during the day and at night. It is equally crucial that the person actually wears the system regularly – even when showering or at night – so that it functions reliably in an emergency. Planning, organization, and suitability for everyday life are at least as important as the technology itself.
"At first, we thought: care level automatically means everything is covered. It wasn't until we truly understood the services that we could choose the right emergency call system – and daily life has been significantly calmer ever since."
