Applying for a care level is one of the most important steps for securing the care and financial support seniors need. Yet the process is often complicated, stressful, and unfair. Families are left navigating endless forms, confusing laws, and rushed insurance assessments that rarely capture the true challenges of everyday life. Too often, important details are overlooked, and the reality of someone’s needs goes unseen. Many people end up with lower benefits than they deserve, losing vital support for years - all because their situation wasn’t fully understood or properly represented.
That’s why Vita Aeterna offers complete, start-to-finish support - combining expert care guidance with full legal protection. From the very first application to the final decision, you’re accompanied by a law expert who ensures every right is respected, every difficulty is documented, and every step is handled lawfully and fairly - giving you the best chance of receiving the care level you truly need.
Cost calculation example 1
Katrin (84) lives alone. Her husband died last year.
Katrin lives alone in Munich. After her husband passed away, she continued managing her household independently but started struggling with cleaning and heavier chores. When her son Thomas visited from Stuttgart, he noticed that her apartment, especially the kitchen, wasn’t as well kept as usual and that she seemed less motivated to go for her daily walks.
Thomas was worried that if this continued, it could accelerate both her physical and mental decline.
As he lives far away and has limited time, Thomas contacted Vita Aeterna to get support with the Care Level application and to arrange light weekly assistance.
Vita Aeterna guided them through the entire care level application process - from collecting documents to preparing for the assessment and accompanying Katrin on the assessment day, which resulted in her successfully receiving her care level approval.
Afterwards, a simple, flexible plan was created that supports her without taking away her independence.
Her caregiver now visits:
-
Once a week (1 h) for household help (light cleaning & laundry)
-
Once a week (1 h) for a walk and light companionship
This small amount of regular support keeps Katrin active, motivated, and comfortable in her own home - while giving Thomas peace of mind knowing she’s not alone.
“It’s just the right amount of help - I still do most things myself, but I’m not overwhelmed anymore.”
At Vita Aeterna, our mission is to keep seniors independent and active at home, slowing down any decline in mobility or confidence through companionship and support.
Service Type
Hours / Month
Billing
Subtotal
Household help (cleaning & laundry)
4h
Partly covered by insurance (€39–€51/h), remainder private (€60/h)
€200
€200
Walks & light errands
4h
Fully private (€60/h)
6h
€240
€240
Total value of services
8h
€440
Insurance refund
– €131
Private payment
€309
Cost calculation example 2
Gerhard (81)
Gerhard, 81, lost his wife at a young age and raised their daughter alone in Munich. He still lives in the same apartment where they built their life together.
After a surgery, he was approved for Care Level 2 and began receiving regular support through his insurance.
During the re-evaluation by the medical assessment, Gerhard - like many older people - didn’t want to appear weak or dependent. Out of pride, he told the assessor that he could manage everything on his own. He didn’t realize that this desire to appear independent would be used against him, and the insurance used his statements as justification to cancel his care level.
As a result of the re-evaluation, Gerhard’s insurance coverage was immediately canceled, leaving him vulnerable and unable to properly care for himself.
His daughter Sabine, who lives in Frankfurt and visits only twice a month, soon noticed that he was struggling again with cooking, cleaning, and walking to the supermarket. Concerned about his wellbeing, she contacted Vita Aeterna for help navigating the situation and regaining the support her father had lost.
As a new senior, the Vita Aeterna team didn’t yet have any background on Gerhard’s case; therefore, the team carefully collected his medical and care documentation, reviewed his previous reports, gathered updated information from his doctor, and prepared him for a new assessment - explaining what to expect and encouraging him to describe his daily challenges openly and honestly.
He was also supported emotionally and reminded that asking for help doesn’t mean losing independence — it helps preserve it.
Thanks to this preparation, Gerhard’s care level was successfully reinstated, and a personalized plan was created that balances support and independence.
His caregiver now visits:
-
Once a week for cleaning and laundry
-
Once a week for walks and light errands
-
Every two weeks for grocery shopping and cooking together
This structure keeps Gerhard’s week active, his home organized, and his daughter reassured that he’s safe and supported.
“They helped me get my care level back - now I have the support that I needed.”
At Vita Aeterna, we believe that care should empower independence, not replace it.
Service Type
Hours / Month
Billing
Subtotal
Household help (cleaning & laundry)
6h
Partly covered by insurance, rest private (€60 / h)
€356
Walks & light errands
6h
Fully private (€60/h)
6h
€360
Grocery shopping & cooking
3h
Fully private (€60/h)
€180
Total value of services
15h
€896
Insurance refund
– €131
Private payment
€765
Cost calculation example 3
Ingrid (75)
Ingrid, 75, has lived in Munich for more than thirty years. After a hip surgery last winter, everything changed overnight — she now uses a wheelchair and can no longer manage her daily life on her own.
Before the operation, Ingrid was independent and active. She loved gardening and meeting her neighbors for coffee. But recovery was harder than expected - simple things like cooking, cleaning, or going outside alone became impossible.
She lives by herself, and although her son also lives in Munich, he works long hours and has a family of his own. He helps her when he can, but only on weekends - leaving Ingrid alone and struggling during the week.
When her son noticed that she was becoming discouraged and withdrawn, he contacted Vita Aeterna to help his mother regain stability, safety, and confidence at home.
Together, we created a personalized care plan that combines practical household assistance, mobility support, and emotional encouragement. Her caregiver now visits regularly to help with:
-
Household cleaning and laundry (2× per week, 2 h each)
-
Meal preparation and grocery shopping (2× per week, 2 h each)
-
Walks and companionship (2× per week, 1.5 h each) - assisting with her wheelchair outdoors
-
Accompaniment to doctor or therapy visits (1× per week, 2 h)
Thanks to this support, Ingrid has regained structure and self-confidence. She can now move safely around her apartment, enjoys fresh air several times a week, and feels emotionally stronger. Her doctor even noted clear progress in her recovery.
“After the surgery, I thought I would lose my freedom. Now I feel safe again - and like myself.”
At Vita Aeterna, we believe care should empower people to live freely and confidently - even when life changes suddenly.
Service Type
Hours / Month
Billing
Subtotal
Cleaning & laundry
8h
Partly covered by insurance, rest private (€60 / h)
€360
Meal prep & shopping
8h
Fully private (€60/h)
6h
€480
Walks & companionship / mobility support
12h
Fully private (€60/h)
€720
Doctor & therapy accompaniment
15h
€240
Total value of services
32h
€1 800
Insurance refund (€131)
– €131
Private payment
€1 669