Pflegesach

Pflegesach, in the context of Germany’s statutory long‑term care insurance, refers to benefits in kind (Pflegesachleistungen) that cover professional care services provided to people in need of care. These services are delivered by registered care providers, such as ambulatory care services or home care agencies, and can include help with daily activities, mobility, hygiene, medication management and coordination of care. The aim is to enable people to stay in their own home or in a familiar environment, reducing the need for admission to a residential facility.

The amount and scope of Pflegesachleistungen depend on the level of care need (Pflegegrad). Since reforms in 2017, care levels range from 1 to 5, with higher grades entailing greater coverage. Benefits are provided as a monthly lump sum or as reimbursement of actual costs, up to a maximum amount specified for each Pflegegrad. If care costs exceed the cap, the excess is typically borne by the insured or through other funding sources.

Recipients choose an approved provider and can switch providers within the framework of the insurance system. The insurer pays the provider directly for services up to the eligible amount. Pflegesachleistungen are distinct from Pflegegeld, which is cash benefits for informal care provided by relatives or friends, and from Pflegehilfsmittel, which are aids and devices such as assistive products used to support caregiving.

Historically, Pflegesachleistungen were introduced with the creation of Germany’s long‑term care insurance and have been adjusted by subsequent reforms, notably with the Pflegegrad system instituted in 2017.