Care level calculator

Which care level is likely to apply?

Answer questions about the everyday life of the person who needs care. The calculator scores the answers with the same criteria and points that the law sets for the official assessment (§ 15 SGB XI).

The result is a non-binding self-assessment. It does not replace the assessment by the Medizinischer Dienst or MEDICPROOF; the care level is set by the long-term care insurance fund (Pflegekasse).
Takes about 10 minutes in 33 short steps. You can skip areas in which no help is needed with one click.
Your answers are not sent to us. They are only kept for this session in this browser tab; they are deleted when you close the tab or choose "Start again". If you click "Request care" with the result, only the estimated care level is passed on as a number.
The calculator is meant for adults. For children, the assessment compares with children of the same age; special rules apply to children up to 18 months.

Answer as things usually are in everyday life – not on the best or the worst day. Only count what is permanent (expected to last at least six months). Aids such as a walker or grab bar count: whoever manages alone with them is independent.

The care level calculator needs JavaScript because your answers are only evaluated in your browser. Instead, you can send a care request directly.

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Area 1 of 6 Mobility

How well can the person move and change their posture?

Can the person turn over and sit up in bed alone?

Examples

For example turning from the back onto the side or sitting up from lying down, also with a bed handle or bed rail.

Independent alone, also with aids

Mostly independent a little help, such as reminders or things laid out

Mostly dependent only a small part alone, a lot of help

Dependent another person does (almost) everything

Can the person stay sitting upright without help?

Examples

For example on a chair or at the edge of the bed, without tipping over or being held.

Independent alone, also with aids

Mostly independent a little help, such as reminders or things laid out

Mostly dependent only a small part alone, a lot of help

Dependent another person does (almost) everything

Area 1 of 6 Mobility

Can the person stand up, sit down or transfer alone?

Examples

For example getting up from an armchair, moving from the bed to a chair or from a wheelchair to the toilet.

Independent alone, also with aids

Mostly independent a little help, such as reminders or things laid out

Mostly dependent only a small part alone, a lot of help

Dependent another person does (almost) everything

Can the person move from room to room at home?

Examples

Walking, also with a stick, walker or wheelchair – for example from the bedroom to the bathroom or kitchen.

Independent alone, also with aids

Mostly independent a little help, such as reminders or things laid out

Mostly dependent only a small part alone, a lot of help

Dependent another person does (almost) everything

Area 2 of 6 Cognitive and communication skills

How well does the person find their way, remember, understand and communicate?

Does the person recognise familiar people?

Examples

For example relatives, neighbours or the carer who comes regularly.

Yes, without limitation the ability is there

Largely mostly, with minor difficulties

Only to a small extent rarely or only partly

No the ability is no longer there

Can the person find their way around?

Examples

Do they know where they are? Do they find the bathroom at home and the way to the baker and back outside?

Yes, without limitation the ability is there

Largely mostly, with minor difficulties

Only to a small extent rarely or only partly

No the ability is no longer there

Area 2 of 6 Cognitive and communication skills

Does the person know the time of day, the day or the year?

Examples

For example whether it is morning or evening, which day of the week, month or season.

Yes, without limitation the ability is there

Largely mostly, with minor difficulties

Only to a small extent rarely or only partly

No the ability is no longer there

Can the person remember important events?

Examples

For example what there was to eat today, who visited or important things from their life.

Yes, without limitation the ability is there

Largely mostly, with minor difficulties

Only to a small extent rarely or only partly

No the ability is no longer there

Area 2 of 6 Cognitive and communication skills

Can the person carry out everyday tasks with several steps alone?

Examples

For example getting dressed in the right order, making coffee or laying the table without losing track.

Yes, without limitation the ability is there

Largely mostly, with minor difficulties

Only to a small extent rarely or only partly

No the ability is no longer there

Can the person make decisions in everyday life?

Examples

For example what to wear, whether a jacket is needed in the cold or what to eat.

Yes, without limitation the ability is there

Largely mostly, with minor difficulties

Only to a small extent rarely or only partly

No the ability is no longer there

Area 2 of 6 Cognitive and communication skills

Does the person understand facts and information?

Examples

For example what is said in a conversation, a letter or the news.

Yes, without limitation the ability is there

Largely mostly, with minor difficulties

Only to a small extent rarely or only partly

No the ability is no longer there

Does the person recognise risks and dangers?

Examples

For example a hot cooker, dangers in traffic or a scam at the front door.

Yes, without limitation the ability is there

Largely mostly, with minor difficulties

Only to a small extent rarely or only partly

No the ability is no longer there

Area 2 of 6 Cognitive and communication skills

Can the person say what they need?

Examples

For example hunger, thirst, pain, feeling cold or needing the toilet – also with gestures or signs.

Yes, without limitation the ability is there

Largely mostly, with minor difficulties

Only to a small extent rarely or only partly

No the ability is no longer there

Does the person understand requests and instructions?

Examples

For example "Please sit down", "Lift your arm" or "Have a sip".

Yes, without limitation the ability is there

Largely mostly, with minor difficulties

Only to a small extent rarely or only partly

No the ability is no longer there

Area 3 of 6 Behaviour and psychological problems

How often does the person behave like this and therefore need support?

Is the person physically restless or does the person wander about aimlessly?

Examples

For example constantly getting up and sitting down, wandering about or the urge to leave the home.

Never or very rarely practically does not happen

Rarely once to three times within two weeks

Often twice to several times a week, but not every day

Daily every day

Is the person restless at night?

Examples

For example getting up and walking about at night, calling out or mixing up day and night.

Never or very rarely practically does not happen

Rarely once to three times within two weeks

Often twice to several times a week, but not every day

Daily every day

Area 3 of 6 Behaviour and psychological problems

Does the person harm themselves?

Examples

For example scratching, hitting or biting themselves, or eating or drinking things that are not fit for it.

Never or very rarely practically does not happen

Rarely once to three times within two weeks

Often twice to several times a week, but not every day

Daily every day

Does the person damage objects?

Examples

For example tearing, smashing or throwing things away.

Never or very rarely practically does not happen

Rarely once to three times within two weeks

Often twice to several times a week, but not every day

Daily every day

Area 3 of 6 Behaviour and psychological problems

Does the person become physically aggressive towards others?

Examples

For example hitting, kicking, scratching, pushing or throwing objects.

Never or very rarely practically does not happen

Rarely once to three times within two weeks

Often twice to several times a week, but not every day

Daily every day

Does the person insult or threaten others?

Examples

For example abuse, shouting at people or threats.

Never or very rarely practically does not happen

Rarely once to three times within two weeks

Often twice to several times a week, but not every day

Daily every day

Area 3 of 6 Behaviour and psychological problems

Does the person stand out through calling, screaming or other sounds?

Examples

For example persistent calling, moaning, groaning or constantly repeating the same sentences.

Never or very rarely practically does not happen

Rarely once to three times within two weeks

Often twice to several times a week, but not every day

Daily every day

Does the person refuse care or other help?

Examples

For example refusing to be washed, to eat or to take medicines, or pushing helping hands away.

Never or very rarely practically does not happen

Rarely once to three times within two weeks

Often twice to several times a week, but not every day

Daily every day

Area 3 of 6 Behaviour and psychological problems

Does the person have delusions?

Examples

For example the firm belief of being robbed, followed or poisoned, or seeing and hearing things that are not there.

Never or very rarely practically does not happen

Rarely once to three times within two weeks

Often twice to several times a week, but not every day

Daily every day

Does the person have strong fears?

Examples

For example fear of being alone, of the dark or of other people – so strong that they need to be calmed.

Never or very rarely practically does not happen

Rarely once to three times within two weeks

Often twice to several times a week, but not every day

Daily every day

Area 3 of 6 Behaviour and psychological problems

Does the person lack drive when feeling low?

Examples

For example hardly any interest in anything, cannot get out of bed in the morning and has to be prompted for everything.

Never or very rarely practically does not happen

Rarely once to three times within two weeks

Often twice to several times a week, but not every day

Daily every day

Does the person behave inappropriately with others?

Examples

For example being overfamiliar, touching strangers inappropriately, undressing in company or eating from other plates.

Never or very rarely practically does not happen

Rarely once to three times within two weeks

Often twice to several times a week, but not every day

Daily every day

Area 4 of 6 Self-care

Can the person wash, dress, eat, drink and use the toilet on their own?

Can the person wash the front of the upper body alone?

Examples

Face, neck, arms, armpits, chest and belly – for example at the washbasin.

Independent alone, also with aids

Mostly independent a little help, such as reminders or things laid out

Mostly dependent only a small part alone, a lot of help

Dependent another person does (almost) everything

Can the person take care of their head alone?

Examples

Combing, brushing teeth or cleaning dentures, shaving.

Independent alone, also with aids

Mostly independent a little help, such as reminders or things laid out

Mostly dependent only a small part alone, a lot of help

Dependent another person does (almost) everything

Area 4 of 6 Self-care

Can the person wash the intimate area alone?

Examples

Washing the genital and bottom area.

Independent alone, also with aids

Mostly independent a little help, such as reminders or things laid out

Mostly dependent only a small part alone, a lot of help

Dependent another person does (almost) everything

Can the person shower or bathe and wash their hair alone?

Examples

Including getting in and out and drying off.

Independent alone, also with aids

Mostly independent a little help, such as reminders or things laid out

Mostly dependent only a small part alone, a lot of help

Dependent another person does (almost) everything

Area 4 of 6 Self-care

Can the person dress and undress the upper body alone?

Examples

For example vest, jumper, blouse or jacket, with buttons and zips.

Independent alone, also with aids

Mostly independent a little help, such as reminders or things laid out

Mostly dependent only a small part alone, a lot of help

Dependent another person does (almost) everything

Can the person dress and undress the lower body alone?

Examples

For example underwear, trousers or skirt, stockings and shoes.

Independent alone, also with aids

Mostly independent a little help, such as reminders or things laid out

Mostly dependent only a small part alone, a lot of help

Dependent another person does (almost) everything

Area 4 of 6 Self-care

Can the person prepare food in bite-sized pieces and pour drinks?

Examples

For example buttering bread, cutting meat, opening a bottle and filling a glass. Cooking is not part of it.

Independent alone, also with aids

Mostly independent a little help, such as reminders or things laid out

Mostly dependent only a small part alone, a lot of help

Dependent another person does (almost) everything

Can the person eat alone?

Examples

Bringing food that has been served to the mouth, chewing and swallowing – and eating enough without reminders.

Independent alone, also with aids

Mostly independent a little help, such as reminders or things laid out

Mostly dependent only a small part alone, a lot of help

Dependent another person does (almost) everything

Area 4 of 6 Self-care

Can the person drink alone?

Examples

Bringing a glass or cup that has been served to the mouth and drinking – and drinking enough without reminders.

Independent alone, also with aids

Mostly independent a little help, such as reminders or things laid out

Mostly dependent only a small part alone, a lot of help

Dependent another person does (almost) everything

Can the person use a toilet or commode chair alone?

Examples

Getting there, adjusting clothes, sitting down and getting up, cleaning themselves and flushing.

Independent alone, also with aids

Mostly independent a little help, such as reminders or things laid out

Mostly dependent only a small part alone, a lot of help

Dependent another person does (almost) everything

Area 4 of 6 Self-care

Is the person mostly or fully incontinent of faeces, or do they have a bowel stoma?

Only then is the next question asked and counted.

Yes

Is the person fed by tube or infusion?

Examples

This means feeding that is needed daily and permanently (expected to last at least six months) and for which the person needs help.

Not applicable no feeding by tube or infusion – or the person manages it without help

Partly daily with help by tube or infusion, in addition to eating and drinking

Completely food and fluids (almost) only by tube or infusion

Area 5 of 6 Coping with illness and therapy

Enter how often another person helps with it (only if permanent, only what the person cannot do alone). An empty field means: never or independent.

How often does the person need help with medicines?

Examples

For example preparing and giving tablets, drops, suppositories or inhalations.

per day

per week

per month

How often does the person need an injection from someone else?

Examples

Injections under the skin or into the muscle, for example insulin or anticoagulant injections.

per day

per week

per month

How often does an intravenous access (port) need care?

Examples

For example connecting an infusion to the port or flushing it.

per day

per week

per month

How often is suction or oxygen needed?

Examples

For example suctioning mucus or putting on and monitoring an oxygen device.

per day

per week

per month

Area 5 of 6 Coping with illness and therapy

Enter how often another person helps with it (only if permanent, only what the person cannot do alone). An empty field means: never or independent.

How often does the person need rubs or cold and heat treatments?

Examples

For example applying prescribed ointments, cool packs or heat pads.

per day

per week

per month

How often do body readings have to be measured and assessed?

Examples

For example measuring blood sugar, blood pressure, pulse or weight and reacting to deviations.

per day

per week

per month

How often does the person need help with aids worn on the body?

Examples

For example putting on and taking off compression stockings, a prosthesis or an orthosis.

per day

per week

per month

Area 5 of 6 Coping with illness and therapy

Enter how often this happens regularly (only if permanent, only with an escort or help). An empty field means: never or independent.

Are there time-consuming and technically demanding treatments at home?

Examples

For example home dialysis or ventilation that another person carries out or supports.

Daily

per week

per month

How often does the person have to be accompanied to the doctor?

Examples

Regular doctor visits for which the person needs an escort.

per week

per month

How often does the person have to be accompanied to other medical or therapy appointments (up to three hours)?

Examples

For example physiotherapy, speech therapy or occupational therapy at a practice.

per week

per month

How often do such accompanied appointments last longer than three hours?

Examples

For example dialysis at a centre or chemotherapy at a hospital.

per week

per month

Area 6 of 6 Everyday life and social contacts

Can the person organise their day, keep themselves busy and keep in touch with others?

Can the person organise their daily routine and adapt to changes?

Examples

For example deciding when to get up, eat and go to bed, or coping with a postponed appointment.

Independent alone, also with aids

Mostly independent a little help, such as reminders or things laid out

Mostly dependent only a small part alone, a lot of help

Dependent another person does (almost) everything

Can the person settle down and sleep alone?

Examples

For example going to bed, finding a sleeping position and managing the night without help.

Independent alone, also with aids

Mostly independent a little help, such as reminders or things laid out

Mostly dependent only a small part alone, a lot of help

Dependent another person does (almost) everything

Area 6 of 6 Everyday life and social contacts

Can the person keep themselves busy?

Examples

For example reading, listening to the radio, watching TV or doing handicrafts – as they like.

Independent alone, also with aids

Mostly independent a little help, such as reminders or things laid out

Mostly dependent only a small part alone, a lot of help

Dependent another person does (almost) everything

Can the person make plans for the near future?

Examples

For example thinking about what should happen at the weekend or during a visit.

Independent alone, also with aids

Mostly independent a little help, such as reminders or things laid out

Mostly dependent only a small part alone, a lot of help

Dependent another person does (almost) everything

Area 6 of 6 Everyday life and social contacts

Can the person interact with the people around them?

Examples

For example greeting, addressing and responding to relatives, visitors or carers.

Independent alone, also with aids

Mostly independent a little help, such as reminders or things laid out

Mostly dependent only a small part alone, a lot of help

Dependent another person does (almost) everything

Can the person keep in touch with people outside their immediate surroundings?

Examples

For example phoning friends, writing letters or messages or arranging to meet.

Independent alone, also with aids

Mostly independent a little help, such as reminders or things laid out

Mostly dependent only a small part alone, a lot of help

Dependent another person does (almost) everything

Your result

Total points: 0 out of 100

Points per area

Mobility 0 of 10
Points: 0 · Weighting 10 %
Cognitive and communication skills 0 of 15
Points: 0 · Weighting 15 %
Behaviour and psychological problems 0 of 15
Points: 0 · Weighting 15 %
Self-care 0 of 40
Points: 0 · Weighting 40 %
Coping with illness and therapy 0 of 20
Points: 0 · Weighting 20 %
Everyday life and social contacts 0 of 15
Points: 0 · Weighting 15 %

This result is a non-binding self-assessment. The care level is set by the long-term care insurance fund (Pflegekasse) after an assessment by the Medizinischer Dienst (statutory insurance) or MEDICPROOF (private insurance).

Request care

Through Pflege Patienten you reach home care services and care facilities near you – free of charge for private persons.

How to apply for a care level

Apply to the long-term care insurance fund (Pflegekasse) – it belongs to the health insurance fund of the person who needs care. An informal application is enough, for example by phone, letter or e-mail; relatives can apply with a power of attorney. Benefits are paid at the earliest from the month of the application – so apply as early as possible. Afterwards the Medizinischer Dienst or MEDICPROOF will contact you for the assessment.

Benefits of the long-term care insurance with care level 2 (overview)

Care allowance (care by relatives or friends) § 37 SGB XI €347 per month
Care in kind (home care service) § 36 SGB XI up to €796 per month
Day and night care § 41 SGB XI up to €721 per month
Relief amount (care at home) § 45b SGB XI up to €131 per month
Respite and short-term care (joint annual amount) § 42a SGB XI up to €3,539 per calendar year
Full residential care in a care home § 43 SGB XI €805 per month
Consumable care aids § 40 Abs. 2 SGB XI up to €42 per month
Grant for adapting the home § 40 Abs. 4 SGB XI up to €4,180 per measure

Care allowance and care in kind can be combined. Which benefits apply in an individual case is decided by the long-term care insurance fund.

As of: October 2026, source: SGB XI

Benefits of the long-term care insurance with care level 3 (overview)

Care allowance (care by relatives or friends) § 37 SGB XI €599 per month
Care in kind (home care service) § 36 SGB XI up to €1,497 per month
Day and night care § 41 SGB XI up to €1,357 per month
Relief amount (care at home) § 45b SGB XI up to €131 per month
Respite and short-term care (joint annual amount) § 42a SGB XI up to €3,539 per calendar year
Full residential care in a care home § 43 SGB XI €1,319 per month
Consumable care aids § 40 Abs. 2 SGB XI up to €42 per month
Grant for adapting the home § 40 Abs. 4 SGB XI up to €4,180 per measure

Care allowance and care in kind can be combined. Which benefits apply in an individual case is decided by the long-term care insurance fund.

As of: October 2026, source: SGB XI

Benefits of the long-term care insurance with care level 4 (overview)

Care allowance (care by relatives or friends) § 37 SGB XI €800 per month
Care in kind (home care service) § 36 SGB XI up to €1,859 per month
Day and night care § 41 SGB XI up to €1,685 per month
Relief amount (care at home) § 45b SGB XI up to €131 per month
Respite and short-term care (joint annual amount) § 42a SGB XI up to €3,539 per calendar year
Full residential care in a care home § 43 SGB XI €1,855 per month
Consumable care aids § 40 Abs. 2 SGB XI up to €42 per month
Grant for adapting the home § 40 Abs. 4 SGB XI up to €4,180 per measure

Care allowance and care in kind can be combined. Which benefits apply in an individual case is decided by the long-term care insurance fund.

As of: October 2026, source: SGB XI

Benefits of the long-term care insurance with care level 5 (overview)

Care allowance (care by relatives or friends) § 37 SGB XI €990 per month
Care in kind (home care service) § 36 SGB XI up to €2,299 per month
Day and night care § 41 SGB XI up to €2,085 per month
Relief amount (care at home) § 45b SGB XI up to €131 per month
Respite and short-term care (joint annual amount) § 42a SGB XI up to €3,539 per calendar year
Full residential care in a care home § 43 SGB XI €2,096 per month
Consumable care aids § 40 Abs. 2 SGB XI up to €42 per month
Grant for adapting the home § 40 Abs. 4 SGB XI up to €4,180 per measure

Care allowance and care in kind can be combined. Which benefits apply in an individual case is decided by the long-term care insurance fund.

As of: October 2026, source: SGB XI

How it is calculated

The points of each area are weighted as the law sets and added up; of areas 2 and 3 only the higher value counts. From 12.5 total points care level 1, from 27 care level 2, from 47.5 care level 3, from 70 care level 4, from 90 care level 5.

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Care level calculator

Which care level is likely to apply?

Area 1 of 6 Mobility

Area 1 of 6 Mobility

Area 1 of 6 Mobility

Area 2 of 6 Cognitive and communication skills

Area 2 of 6 Cognitive and communication skills

Area 2 of 6 Cognitive and communication skills

Area 2 of 6 Cognitive and communication skills

Area 2 of 6 Cognitive and communication skills

Area 2 of 6 Cognitive and communication skills

Area 3 of 6 Behaviour and psychological problems

Area 3 of 6 Behaviour and psychological problems

Area 3 of 6 Behaviour and psychological problems

Area 3 of 6 Behaviour and psychological problems

Area 3 of 6 Behaviour and psychological problems

Area 3 of 6 Behaviour and psychological problems

Area 3 of 6 Behaviour and psychological problems

Area 4 of 6 Self-care

Area 4 of 6 Self-care

Area 4 of 6 Self-care

Area 4 of 6 Self-care

Area 4 of 6 Self-care

Area 4 of 6 Self-care

Area 4 of 6 Self-care

Area 5 of 6 Coping with illness and therapy

Area 5 of 6 Coping with illness and therapy

Area 5 of 6 Coping with illness and therapy

Area 5 of 6 Coping with illness and therapy

Area 5 of 6 Coping with illness and therapy

Area 5 of 6 Coping with illness and therapy

Area 5 of 6 Coping with illness and therapy

Area 6 of 6 Everyday life and social contacts

Area 6 of 6 Everyday life and social contacts

Area 6 of 6 Everyday life and social contacts

Your result

Points per area

Please check these details: