Finding the right care home - the right pre-selection online

It is best to proceed step by step: In which region does the person in need of care want to live in the future? Do they prefer a facility that is close to where they currently live or would they like to move close to relatives who live further away? Do they prefer an urban environment or a residential area in the countryside?

With the help of various databases on the Internet (e.g. Heimverzeichnis.de), you can then begin your search in the selected area. Many of these directories simplify the search with filters for prices or care specialties. Always keep an eye on your financing options and consider what type of care and support is important for your relative.

Once you have made a pre-selection, you can find further helpful information on the care homes' websites or have brochures sent to you. Also read between the lines: Is the facility's website friendly and informative or rather impersonal and not very transparent? In most cases, care facilities also advertise with so-called care ratings, which are awarded by the Medical Service of the Health Insurance Funds (MDK). Until now, however, these could not be followed without reservation, as the MDK only checked the care documentation and not the practical day-to-day care. The result was consistently good to very good grades, which were therefore not very meaningful. A new inspection system, which has been in use since fall 2019, aims to improve this. For example, nine residents and their lives in the facility are examined in a random sample and interviewed in person. "In addition, the expert discussion with the responsible nursing staff is an essential part of the new inspection procedure," says Dr. Monika Kücking, Head of the Health Department of the GKV Spitzenverband. There is also a new system for measuring quality and presenting the results. People seeking advice can then compare different facilities online according to criteria that are important to them. Another good indicator of quality in care is the so-called "green tick". Ideally, you should use this to make a pre-selection of around three homes