When one’s parents or grandparents get to a stage where they require care and their own home is no longer suitable for their needs, there is often only one option remaining – moving them into a care home. In many instances, this is no easy task. It becomes especially stressful when one has to sort everything out remotely or under time pressure.
The current demographic changes are reflected most clearly in the area of care for the elderly. In November 2019 alone, over 810,000 people requiring care were living in residential care institutions. These not only offer more professional care than in-home services, but also take the strain off families. From the decision over what to do with elderly relatives’ previous home, to the search for a suitable care home, there is much to consider.
What happens to the house?
If the house is to remain in the possession of the family, it might require extensive refurbishment. Depending on the scope of the work required, this can prove expensive. The family must also take into consideration the costs of the removal and the care home itself. The pension of the person requiring care is not always sufficient to cover the additional costs. If these are too high and the coverage from the nursing insurance provider too low, it may prove a better option to sell the property. The money can then be used to pay the care-home fees. A professional estate agent will be able to help determine what the right decision is in each instance. They will also be able to relieve the family of much of the stress involved, taking over the entire sales process including procuring the necessary documentation.
The right care home – the search, the costs, the documents
The cost of a care home varies depending on the level of care required, the respective federal state and the facilities provided. Pay attention to the structural facility information and the outcome indicators as assessed by the Health Insurers’ Medical Service (Medizinische Dienste der Krankenversicherung, MDK) and private health insurers (private Krankenversicherung, PKV). For the move itself, you will require such documents as medical reports, which will vary in scope depending on the health of the person requiring care. In addition, contracts will need cancelling, addresses changing and existing insurance policies checking.
Home clearance
If the property is being sold or the tenancy cancelled, the home will need to be cleared. This too can prove time-intensive without professional assistance. Relatives can hire the services of a home-clearance company. The estate agent can provide support when searching for a suitable company.
Do you want to find out what to do with the property of a relative in need of care? Then get in touch with us! We are happy to advise you.
For more information:
https://www.pflege-durch-angehoerige.de/checkliste-umzug-pflegeheim/
https://flixumzuege24.de/umzug-pflegeheim-kostenerstattung/
https://www.bagfw.de/themen/qualitaetsindikatoren-in-der-stationaeren-pflege
Legal note: This article does not constitute tax or legal advice in individual cases. Please have the facts of your specific individual case clarified by a lawyer and/or tax advisor.
Photo : © IgorVetushko/Depositphotos.com
