Support that makes a real difference in everyday life.

It all starts with a personal conversation about who is looking for support, what is currently difficult in everyday life, what should continue to be handled independently and what time frame is envisaged. Only then can we sensibly discuss whether and to what extent ElbFürsorge can help.

This conversation takes place in a relaxed setting, usually at the family's home or by phone – whichever is more comfortable. There are no costs and no obligation; at the end, there is simply a shared assessment of whether and how working together could make sense.

No. Especially at the beginning, individual observations or open questions can be more helpful than a ready-made list of services. What matters is that the situation is described as clearly as possible. Together, we then clarify which support actually makes sense.

The picture often only becomes clear during the conversation: what first looks like a single task sometimes turns out to be part of a bigger picture – and vice versa. That is why an open exchange is more worthwhile than trying to plan everything in advance.

The time frame depends on the support required, the area and the available capacity. Depending on the agreement, individual appointments or regular time slots are possible. What can realistically be offered is agreed specifically before we start.

Some families would like a fixed weekly appointment, others prefer occasional support as needed. Both are generally possible – what matters most is that expectations on both sides are clearly defined from the start.

Support needs do not always stay the same. That is why it makes sense to review agreements together from time to time. If tasks, time requirements or priorities change, we openly discuss what can be adjusted and where the limits of the existing arrangement lie.

This works both ways: sometimes more support is needed than originally agreed, sometimes less. Both can be clarified in a short conversation without having to set up the entire agreement from scratch.

Our services do not include medical or nursing care. In particular, medical treatment care and personal nursing care require the appropriate professional and legal qualifications. Around pregnancy and the postpartum period, too, practical everyday help does not replace a midwife or medical care.

This distinction is deliberate: it ensures that every task is carried out by those who are trained and responsible for it. Exactly where the line lies in an individual case is discussed openly in the initial conversation, so that there are no false expectations.

Under § 45b SGB XI (German social code for long-term care), people in need of care who are cared for at home are entitled to a relief amount of up to €131 per month. It is earmarked and, subject to the legal requirements, can be used for recognised everyday support services, among other things.

Whether a specific ElbFürsorge service can be covered this way depends on the recognition status, the specific service and personal eligibility. These points should be clarified in advance with the responsible long-term care insurance fund (Pflegekasse) or on the basis of the specific offer. Under certain conditions, unused monthly amounts can be carried over to the following half-year – this, too, is best clarified directly with the Pflegekasse.

With a private agreement, the client pays the agreed costs themselves. The advantage is that support can be arranged independently of any possible payment by an insurer. The applicable prices and conditions are discussed transparently before we start and recorded in writing.

For many families, this is the simpler route, especially if cost coverage by the long-term care or health insurance fund is not an option or is still being reviewed. A private agreement can start at any time without having to wait for a decision.

The long-term care insurance funds and the Hamburg care advice centres (Pflegestützpunkte) provide advice on care, support and funding – regardless of which insurer you are with – including help with applications. ElbFürsorge is happy to explain its own services and the possible framework, but cannot replace a binding decision by the Pflegekasse.

A call to your own Pflegekasse or a nearby Pflegestützpunkt is usually the quickest way to a binding assessment. On request, ElbFürsorge can help you prepare the right questions for this conversation.