Household support that makes a noticeable difference.

That depends on the support required and the available capacity. Both regular appointments – for example weekly or fortnightly – and individual visits as needed are possible. The schedule is agreed together before we start.

Many households start with a fortnightly schedule and adjust the frequency after the first visits, once it is clear how the workload is actually distributed.

This is agreed individually. Some households prefer their own products, for example for reasons of tolerance or personal preference, while others like to be advised. What matters is that it is clear before the first visit what should be used.

With allergies, pets or delicate surfaces, it is worth mentioning this in the initial conversation so that the right products are used from the start.

Yes. Especially after a hospital stay or in other temporary situations, time-limited support can make sense. The scope and duration are then tailored to the specific transitional phase.

A one-off visit, for example before or after a move or a visit from guests, is also generally possible – capacity permitting.

Under certain conditions, domestic help can be a benefit of statutory health insurance. § 38 SGB V (German social code for health insurance) covers, among other things, certain situations after hospital treatment or in the event of serious illness. Whether there is an entitlement depends on the personal situation and the requirements of the health insurance fund; general cost coverage should not be assumed.

The most reliable way to clarify this is directly with your own health insurance fund, ideally before the first visit – that leaves time to submit an application.

Continuity is especially important in your own home. Whether a permanent contact person is possible for the entire period depends on the agreed regularity and the available capacity, and is discussed in a personal conversation.

With regular visits, we pay close attention to this wherever possible, so that trust can develop and nobody has to explain from scratch each time how things are done.

Yes, individual priorities such as a more thorough kitchen clean or special attention to certain rooms can be discussed at any time.

Yes. Cleaning and household support count as household-related services under § 35a EStG (German Income Tax Act). 20 per cent of the labour costs can be deducted, up to a maximum of €4,000 per year – material costs and cash payments are not recognised by the tax office; an invoice paid by bank transfer is required.

Pets should be mentioned at the first appointment so that enough time and the right approach can be planned. If necessary, we can also discuss whether the animal stays in a separate room during cleaning.

Window cleaning can be part of the agreed service, but is discussed separately, as it requires its own time depending on the home.

If nobody is at home, a key can be left for the agreed appointments. How it is handled is clearly arranged in advance and is also described in our terms and conditions.

Occasional support around a move, for example with packing or unpacking, may be possible by arrangement. A complete clear-out or final cleaning after moving out is assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Ironing can be agreed as part of household support, either during a regular appointment or as a separate focus.

Delicate surfaces such as natural stone, parquet or lacquered furniture should be mentioned in the initial conversation so that suitable cleaning products and methods are used.

A more thorough, seasonal clean – such as a spring clean – can be arranged in addition to regular appointments.

Unlike voluntary neighbourly help, ElbFürsorge is an organised, reliable service with fixed agreements and a permanent contact person.

Before public holidays or special occasions, an additional, more thorough clean can be arranged so that your home is looking its best.

For safety reasons, work involving increased risk, such as cleaning the outside of windows at great heights, is not part of our services.

Yes, household support combines well with other services such as everyday companionship or help with shopping.

Especially during an illness or after a rehabilitation stay, more intensive household support for a limited period can make sense.

Being present is not strictly necessary, provided access to the home has been arranged. Nevertheless, many clients prefer to be there at least for the first appointment.