Washing, dressing, serving meals - caring for an elderly person demands a lot from you. We explain the advantages and disadvantages as well as alternatives to home care, such as a care home.

What do I need to consider with home care?

You should ask yourself beforehand: What is my relationship with the person? Is it okay for me to be so close to them? Do I have enough space and time? Home care involves costs, can I afford them? Who else is affected by the situation? It is best to decide together with the family whether you want to bring a relative into your home.

What are the advantages of home care?

Some people in need of help may find it uncomfortable to be cared for by their family. However, most people feel more comfortable with them than in a home. For relatives, it's nice to be able to give something back to the elderly.

And what could go wrong?

Some people don't realize how stressful and restrictive home care can be. People with dementia, for example, often need round-the-clock care. Spontaneously going on vacation is of course no longer possible. Carers are then quickly overwhelmed. However, you can always say: I'm going to get help.

What alternatives are there to care at home?

It always depends on how much care someone needs. Does it have to be a care home or is assisted living still an option? Less dependent people live in their own apartments, but are still cared for and regularly looked after by nursing staff. Another option is a mobile care service. However, neither of these can replace full-time care.

What should I look out for in a care home?

Of course, the care home should be clean and the staff friendly. Don't just talk to the staff, but also to the residents - and ask about leisure activities and volunteers, for example. It is best to look at the facility together with the person in need of care. You might even be able to try out a meal.

What financial support is available?

If a person achieves a care level, they receive money from the care insurance fund and also receive additional funds, for example for benefits in kind such as the conversion to a barrier-free home. All standard rates can be found at the Federal Ministry of Health: www.bmg.bund.de.

Old people feel young again here

A place of familiarity and joie de vivre - that is the Staigacker retirement and nursing home in Backnang, Baden-Württemberg. And there is one very special feature of this home: there is a lot of laughter here. "A day without laughter is a day lost. So I always try to make people laugh a little in the morning," says one geriatric nurse. Treating the residents with dignity is a top priority. Whether during dog therapy, in the swimming pool, chatting in the home café or at the hat fashion show - things are always cheerful at Staigacker. The Deutsche Fernsehlotterie has supported the Staigacker project with large amounts of funding and has helped to make old people feel young again. You can find out more about this project and other projects supported by the German Television Lottery at www.du-bist-ein-gewinn.de