Care allowance in Germany: General information and application

A Barrier-free bathroomathroom can make a crucial difference for people in need of care – more safety, more independence, more quality of life.

In Germany, care insurance funds support such renovations with up to €4,180 per measure. Whether level-access showers, non-slip floors or grab rails – these adaptations ensure that your own home remains a safe haven even as care needs increase.

Who is eligible for a care allowance?

2. Your path to the care allowance

3. Frequently asked questions

The following guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice

Who is eligible for a care allowance?

In Germany, it is possible to receive financial support for adapting the bathroom if people in need of care live in the household. Care insurance funds offer grants of up to €4,180 per measure to facilitate home care and increase the safety of those in need of care. This includes, for example, the installation of level-access showers or grab rails in the bathroom.

Several people in need of care in the household?

If several people, such as couples, live in a flat and have a recognised care level, entitling them to measures to improve their living environment, each person receives the full grant amount for the renovation of the shared bathroom. This amount can then be used for individual measures for each person.

These measures in the bathroom are eligible for funding

There are various measures to improve the living environment in the bathroom that can be considered as part of the care allowance. These include:

Level-access showers: They are accessible and make showering easier for people with limited mobility. They have no trip hazards and make entry easier.
Grab rails: They can reduce the risk of falls and increase the feeling of safety. They should be installed in places where there is an increased risk of falling, such as next to the toilet or the bathtub.
Non-slip coverings: They can reduce the risk of falls and increase the feeling of safety.
Seating options: They can make showering or getting dressed easier for people with limited mobility.
Height-adjustable washbasins: They are particularly useful for people of different heights or with physical limitations. The possibility of individual adjustment allows for more ergonomic use.
Walk-in bathtubs: They enable accessible use and can make getting in and out easier.

The bathtub door for your existing bathtub

A bathtub door is the ideal solution if you want to get into your existing bathtub quickly and easily and is usually 100% eligible for funding.

Your path to the care allowance: A 4-step guide

1: Determine the care level

Before you can apply for a care allowance, a recognised care level must be in place. This is determined by the Medical Service of the Health Insurance Funds (MDK).

2: Apply for benefits from your care insurance fund

If a care level is in place, you can apply for benefits from your care insurance fund. To do this, fill out the relevant application and submit it to your care insurance fund. This will then be reviewed and, if necessary, further documents will be requested. You can submit the application to the care insurance fund even before you have received quotes from service providers.

3: Receive approval from your care insurance fund

If the care insurance fund considers the requested measures to be necessary and appropriate, you will receive approval.

4: Apply for additional funding

If the costs for the measures are not fully covered by the care fund, you can apply for additional funding. There are various government and local programmes for this, such as the KfW funding programmes „Age-appropriate Conversion“ and „Energy-efficient Renovation“. Local grants may also be available. Please contact your local council or an independent advisor for more information.

Tub out, shower in

With Tub out, shower in, you avoid a building site lasting weeks. Only 3 days separate you from a comfortable and safe bathroom.

Frequently asked questions about applying for care allowance in Germany

What is the care allowance?

The care allowance includes financial support for measures intended to make caring for people at home easier. It can be used to reduce barriers in the home and enable independent living.

Which measures are funded?

Funding is available, for example, for bathroom renovations to improve accessibility, such as installing a level-access shower, non-slip flooring, handrails or adaptations to the toilet.

Who can apply for the care allowance?

The allowance can be applied for by people in need of care (from care level 1).

How much financial support is available?

The care insurance can grant up to €4,180 per renovation measure. If there are several people in need of care in the household, the grants can be added together accordingly. For four people, for example, up to €16,720 can be granted.

How do I apply for the care allowance?

The application for the care allowance is submitted to the relevant care fund. It is important that the application is submitted and approved before the renovation begins. We are happy to support you with this.

What requirements must be met?

The need for care must be determined by the Medical Service with a care level. In addition, the renovation must be intended to make care easier or to increase the independence of the person in need of care.

Are there alternatives to the care allowance?

Yes, in addition to the care allowance, loans or regional funding can also be used to promote accessibility.

Do you have a question? We have the answer!

bazuba methods for your low-barrier bathroom

bathtub doors

The ideal solution if you want to enter your existing bathtub safely.

Tub out, shower in

Would you like to convert your bathtub into a shower? bazuba makes it possible!

Non-slip

The anti-slip coating significantly reduces the risk of accidents in the bathroom.

The accessible renovation of bazuba is impressive

“We found Bazuba through an advert in a magazine. We arranged an appointment and, thanks to the extremely competent advice from Mr Zugmayer, we immediately decided to replace our bathtub with a shower. It is admirable, especially in today’s often superficial times, how much precision the Bazuba installer put into all the installation work. You can only congratulate a company for having such an employee. This company definitely deserves 11 out of 10 points!”

“I organised the bathtub entry for my mother. We can only recommend this company; from the very first appointment at home to completion, we only dealt with extremely friendly, warm, and competent people. We would like to thank you again here!!”

"I can't thank you enough. For us, it was the best decision. We are more than satisfied with the renovation of our bathroom. Simply a top result from professionals who know their craft. Always punctual, very friendly, helpful, and all our questions were answered in advance. We can absolutely recommend them. Thank you…."