Elderly Assistance

The services of elderly assistance according to § 71 SGB XII are aimed at elderly people living in their own households. Elderly, within the meaning of this regulation, refers to individuals aged 65 and older. In justified individual cases, approval can also be granted before the age of 65 if age-related difficulties are evident.

The target group for elderly assistance services includes individuals who are experiencing or are at risk of experiencing specific age-related difficulties or complaints. These could be physical, mental, and/or emotional issues that play a role. The requested services must be suitable to counteract these difficulties and complaints.

Elderly assistance involves social welfare services under the Social Code (SGB) XII. Social welfare can generally only be claimed if the economic conditions (income and asset situation) are met.

Provided the personal prerequisites (age-related need for assistance, economic circumstances) are met, there is a basic entitlement to elderly assistance services according to § 71 SGB XII. However, it is at the discretion of the social welfare provider to decide how the services are designed in terms of type and scope. Requested elderly assistance services are not applicable if similar services are covered by other types of assistance, which must be claimed with priority.

The following service contents are considered:

• Services for activity and social engagement
  
  Social engagement includes taking on responsibilities in clubs or self-help groups, participating in charitable organizations, associations, political parties, etc. Activity refers to any type of activity, such as pursuing a hobby. Possible services in this context include covering membership fees, travel expenses, etc.

• Services for obtaining and maintaining housing
  
  Obtaining housing is usually provided as a service in the form of advice, establishing contacts, etc. This area is already covered by the offerings of senior and care counseling or the local social welfare office. Additionally, services such as taking over general tenant obligations (e.g., stair cleaning, garden maintenance, winter services, etc.), minor structural improvements, or moving-related expenses may be considered.

• Services for counseling and support during home admission
  
  These services are fully covered by the Senior and Care Counseling.

• Services for counseling and support in accessing age-appropriate services
  
  These services are fully covered by the Senior and Care Counseling.

• Services for attending events or institutions serving the social, entertainment, educational, or cultural needs of elderly people
  
  Various services are conceivable for this point. Both participation in senior leisure activities or day trips and visits to theaters, concerts, museums, etc. are conceivable.

• Services that enable connections with close persons
  
  The goal is to help the beneficiary maintain their social environment as much as possible. The term "close person" includes not only family members but also good friends, former colleagues, etc.