Care in Accidents care - quick steps for you and your loved ones after the accident

One moment of carelessness, a fall while gardening or an accident in traffic - and suddenly everyday life comes to a standstill. Things that were taken for granted yesterday - getting out of bed, shopping, showering - become a challenge. Whether you are affected yourself or a relative, fast, reliable help is crucial in such situations. This is exactly where accident care comes in. It offers practical support in everyday life, care at home after an accident and above all: security in an uncertain time. But who really helps now? What benefits are you entitled to? And who covers the costs?

In this guide, you will find out what accident care means, what benefits you are entitled to, who covers the costs - and how to proceed step by step to get exactly the help you need. noracares is at your side: we connect caregivers directly with families so that open and honest communication is possible right from the start and you can quickly find the right support.

Woman sets up a warning triangle for road safety during an emergency.

 

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The power of organization in trauma care

An accident can happen quickly and, above all, anywhere. 70 percent of all accidents occur during leisure time, many even in the household or while gardening. When independent activities such as cooking or shopping are no longer possible from one day to the next without outside help and care is therefore required, this is known as accident care. The challenge is to quickly set the right course for the best possible care in a suddenly changed life situation.

What is accident care?

Accident care refers to the professional care and support of people who are suddenly restricted in their independence as a result of an accident. The aim is to provide those affected with the best possible support in everyday life after an accident - whether short-term or long-term, at home or as an inpatient. The aim is always to provide you or your loved one with the best possible support in everyday life and thus enable you to return to a life that is as self-determined as possible.

In an emergency: You should know these important numbers

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An accident can happen at any time. In an acute emergency situation, quick action is crucial. It is therefore essential to know the most important emergency numbers - in Germany as well as in Austria and throughout Europe. These numbers will connect you directly to the help you need:

  • Europe-wide emergency call (police, fire department, rescue service): 112

  • This is the central emergency number that works in all member states of the European Union as well as in many other countries. It connects you directly to the emergency services (More information about the emergency call 112).

  • Police (Germany): 110

  • For police emergencies in Germany.

  • Medical on-call service (Germany): 116117

  • This number is intended for non-life-threatening medical problems where you need medical attention outside of regular office hourst (More information on the medical on-call service).

  • Rettung (Österreich): 144

  • For medical emergencies and patient transports in Austria.

  • Ärztenotdienst (Österreich): 141

  • For medical assistance outside office hours, if it is not a life-threatening emergency (Important emergency numbers in Austria).

  • Police (Austria): 133

  • For police emergencies in Austria.

Keep these numbers in a visible place and save them in your phone. Every second can count!

What to do after an accident? Step-by-step guide

The time after an accident is often characterized by uncertainty. A clear structure helps to organize the necessary steps. Here is a practical guide for you:

What to do in the event of care? - Step by step

step What you should do
1 Organize immediate help and ensure medical care. Go to a hospital or doctor immediately. First aid, diagnosis and any necessary operations are the first and most important step.
2 Use hospital discharge management. The hospital will plan the next steps with you or your relatives. They will assess your care needs (e.g. a possible care level), discuss any necessary aids and organize further care.
3 Organize care. Whether mobile care, short-term care, 24-hour care or day care - choose the form of care that suits you best. You can use noracares to find suitable caregivers who meet your individual needs directly and free of charge.
4 Submit applications. Apply for care allowance (from the care insurance provider), additional benefits (e.g. meals on wheels) and assistance (e.g. rollator, home emergency call). Early application is crucial.
5 Make an appointment with your GP. Arrange a follow-up appointment with your GP to discuss the findings, clarify medication and ensure follow-up care.

 

The importance of sound advice and support

Close-up of a medical consultation in which a doctor explains documents to a patient.

 

Whether you can spend longer preparing for the potential topic of care or whether the In need of care due to an accident suddenly occurs: it is important to obtain sound, professional advice. Applications must be made, the level of care must be determined in order to receive insurance money. The care needs to be organized - this is where noracares comes in. Here you can immediately start looking for and, above all, finding the right caregiver via the platform. The first preliminary discussions can already be held, where with other providers, such as agencies, the ball is only slowly getting rolling.

Counselling is already available in hospitals, where various social services can be consulted as a first point of contact. However, there are also other points of contact at various welfare organizations or via the respective city or state. Make active use of these services to make your path easier.

Division of work

If it is possible to enlist the help of relatives, friends or neighbors, this should be done right from the start. There is a lot to organize and research. Close relatives, such as a spouse, can take a 10-day leave of absence from their employer to help with the initial organization. If this is not possible, there are of course also the options of mobile or inpatient care. A good division of tasks takes the pressure off everyone involved.

Don't panic about the costs

Maintenance costs money - that's clear. But especially after an accident, the question quickly arises as to who pays which costs and which services are covered. To give you clarity right from the start, we have created a detailed overview of who pays for accident care and what support you are entitled to:

 

Insurance & care services

insurance Benefits Conditions
Statutory health insurance Home nursing care for a maximum of 4 weeks Only if medically necessary and if there is no care level
Long-term care insurance Care allowance from care level 2, care benefits in kind Application & Expert opinion required; with recognized need for care.
Private accident insurance Long-term care benefits, immediate allowance, conversion costs, long-term care pension Only with existing policy and contractually agreed benefit.
Own contribution Costs not covered Can be reduced by various subsidies.

 

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Important note on care allowance: Information on Care allowance in Germany can be found on the website of the Federal Ministry of Health. For Austria offers oesterreich.gv.at a detailed overview and further information on the application..

 

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Nora's tip: Ask your insurance company directly about your entitlement. Many also offer support for meals on wheels, home help or mobility assistance. Once these questions have been answered, you can check off a major point and have the financial side of things sorted out.

 

Accept support

Of course, no one likes to give up their independence and it often takes a long time and many conversations to accept the new situation. It is important that the person in need of care puts their cards on the table right from the start and states their wishes and, of course, their concerns. This is the only way to organize the support in the best possible way. Open communication and accepting help are crucial for a good recovery and quality of life.

 

Daily care after an accident

Therapist assisting a patient with mobility exercises during a rehabilitation session.


 

In most cases where care is required after an accident, the person concerned was previously in hospital. If care is required after the stay, there is a discharge management team that clarifies all further steps with the patient. In most cases, this discharge management is carried out by nurses and/or social workers. The discharge managers then put together a further care package as required.

This may include the following:

  • Organization of mobile services (mobile care services, meals on wheels, 24-hour care,...)
  • Procurement of aids, such as wheelchairs, bath lifts or rollators
  • Obtaining permits for a spa stay or rehabilitation
  • Issuing various applications (for example care allowance)
  • First contact with aid organizations, the Ministry of Social Affairs, the municipal authorities or self-help groups
  • Clarification of general financial questions

However, discharge management is not allowed to influence authorizations and medically prescribed treatments, nor is it allowed to provide care itself. It serves as a valuable interface to make the transition from hospital to home or to another facility as smooth as possible.

What level of care is required?

After an accident, care needs can vary greatly - from short-term support to long-term care. Whether after a stay in hospital or in the event of a sudden restriction: there are various Forms of care that are precisely tailored to your individual needs and those of your loved ones. Here is an overview of the most important offers:

 

Maintenance forms at a glance

Maintenance form Description Duration
Outpatient care Regular care by specialist staff directly in your home. Daily or several times a week
24-hour care A caregiver lives in the household of the person requiring care and is available around the clock. Long-term
Short-term care Temporary inpatient care in a nursing home, often after a stay in hospital or to relieve the burden on family carers. Maximum 8 weeks/year
Day care During the day, the person in need of care is cared for and activated in a facility, but returns home in the evening. Flexible booking options

 

The best form of care for you or your loved one will be decided together with the discharge management team.

Discharge from hospital: What you should consider

A busy hospital corridor with medical staff and equipment.

 

Before you are discharged from hospital, you will often have an important conversation. We at noracares have summarized the most important points so that you don't have any unanswered questions afterwards and are optimally prepared for your further care. Preparation is the key to smooth further care:

Important questions you should clarify in advance:

  • What does the further medical course look like?
  • What are the prognoses? What restrictions can be expected?
  • Where to turn if there are complaints or complications?
  • How can you imagine further therapy?
  • What are the prescribed medications for and how should they be taken?
  • What aids are needed and where to get them?

 

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Nora's tip: Make notes in advance and take a trusted person (family, friend) with you to the conversation. Four ears hear more than two, especially in an emotionally stressful situation.

 

Checklist for dismissal:

  • Make an appointment with your family doctor to discuss the findings.
  • Contact the required care service or search for a 24-hour caregiver via noracares.
  • Organize transport home.
  • Understand the medication plan and pick up necessary prescriptions.
  • Apply for Care allowance or prepare other benefits.

Typical accident care services

Here is an overview of what accident care can include - these services are always individually adapted to your needs so that you receive exactly the support you need:

 

Overview of care services

area Services
Basic care Personal hygiene, mobility assistance (positioning, repositioning), dressing, toileting
Household Cleaning the living area, washing and ironing clothes, grocery shopping
Catering Preparation of meals, assistance with food intake, organization of "meals on wheels"
Support Accompaniment to doctor's visits or therapies, organization of leisure activities, activating conversations
Technology & Security Advice and organization of home emergency call, rollator, wheelchair, bath lift and other aids
Care advice Training for relatives on care support, advice on financial assistance and applications

 

Nora recommends

Probably the most important point in accident care is the organization of the required care. Here at noracares, you can start looking for the right caregiver in advance to save yourself a point on discharge. In addition to the right caregiver, noracares also offers lots of tips, interesting facts and information on the subject of care. In addition, searching and finding at noracares works without the unnecessary costs that can be incurred with an agency. This means that one of the tips mentioned above can be put into practice right away - you can register right here.

 

Register here

 

Graphic of nurse Nora with a stethoscope around her neck and the text 'Nora's conclusion' on a green banner. Closing remark or summary in the health sector.

 

You don't have to walk this path alone! An accident can change your life or that of a loved one in seconds. Suddenly, fast, reliable support is needed - but that's when you often don't have the time or energy to wade through applications, responsibilities and options.

Accident care is more than just a service - it is a bridge back to a self-determined life. Whether short-term help after a hospital stay, support in the household or long-term care: there are solutions that fit your situation exactly.

Our tip: Don't wait until the next step becomes a burden. Get informed early on, seek advice - and get the help you deserve. noracares is there for you to walk this path with you.

 

A turquoise banner with white text that reads 'Nora's Frequently Asked Questions'. On the right is an illustrated avatar figure of a nurse with blonde hair wearing a turquoise nurse's cap with a white cross, a white collar and a stethoscope around her neck
Accident care refers to the professional care and support that a person needs after an accident if they are temporarily or permanently restricted in their independence. This includes services such as personal hygiene, household help, meal provision and assistance in everyday life - either at home or in an institution. It is often organized by private accident insurance companies, statutory insurance companies or long-term care insurance companies.
The costs of care after an accident can be covered by various bodies depending on the case:

- Statutory health insurance: for short-term home nursing care (usually up to 4 weeks)
- Long-term care insurance: for a recognized degree of care
- Private accident insurance: for contractually agreed care services
- Affected person themselves or relatives: if no benefits have been applied for or approved

An application should be submitted as soon as possible - ideally while still in hospital.
Accident care typically includes the following services:

- Assistance with personal hygiene (washing, dressing, going to the toilet)
- Help with nutrition (preparing and serving food)
- Domestic care (cleaning, shopping, laundry)
- Administering medication and changing dressings
- Menu service or "meals on wheels"
- Accompaniment to medical appointments or visits to the authorities
- Setting up a home emergency call

The specific service depends on the insurance contract or care level.
Long-term care insurance is a statutory compulsory insurance that covers the general need for long-term care - regardless of the cause.

Accident care refers specifically to the need for care as a result of an accident and is usually part of private accident insurance. It can also provide benefits if there is no care level and takes effect more quickly or more comprehensively than statutory long-term care insurance.
Statutory health insurance covers home care for up to 4 weeks if:

- a medical certificate is available
- no other person can help in the household
- there is no care level

In the case of care for children under the age of 12, the entitlement can be extended to up to 26 weeks. After that, the care insurance fund may intervene - if a degree of care is available.
If someone needs care after an accident:

- Doctor:Doctor determines need for help
- Short-term care can be organized via health insurance
- For longer-term needs → apply for a care degree from the care insurance fund

Depending on the level: monthly benefits, care services, care aids
Private accident insurance may offer immediate assistance or a care pension

Important: Act quickly, apply early, seek advice (e.g. via care advice or care insurance companies).

 

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  • 24-hour-care:A form of home care in which a caregiver lives in the household of the person in need of care and looks after them around the clock.
  • Outpatient care:Professional care services that are provided at home without the person in need of care having to leave their home. This can be provided by mobile care services.
  • Anamnesis: The systematic collection of a person's medical history and health status through questioning, often the first step in diagnosis and care planning.
  • Discharge management: A process in the hospital that ensures that patients receive seamless and needs-based follow-up care after discharge, whether at home or in another facility.
  • Home care:Care services provided at home by qualified care services, often on a doctor's prescription and subsidized by health insurance.
  • Short-term care: A temporary inpatient care in a care facility that is used, for example, after a hospital stay or to relieve the burden on family caregivers.
  • Magistrat: In Austria, a city or municipal administration that is responsible for various public affairs, including social services.
  • Mobile services: Various services that are provided directly at home, such as mobile care services, meal deliveries (meals on wheels) or home help.
  • Care exemption:A legally enshrined right for employees in Austria and Germany to be released from work for a certain period of time in the event of acute care needs of relatives.
  • Care level:A classification of the need for care based on a person's level of independence. In Germany, there are five care levels that determine the amount of long-term care insurance benefits. (In Austria, the term care levels is used)..
  • Care level: The term used in Austria to describe the extent of the need for care, similar to the care degree in Germany. There are seven care levels that determine the amount of care allowance.
  • Rehabilitation: measures aimed at restoring or improving physical, mental or social abilities after an illness or accident.
  • Social-service:A department in hospitals or charities that advises patients and their relatives on social, economic and psychological problems and supports them in organizing aftercare.
  • Inpatient care: care and support that takes place in a care facility or nursing home when care at home is no longer sufficient or is not desired.
  • Accident care: Specialized care and support that becomes necessary due to a sudden need for care as a result of an accident.
  • Welfare associations: Non-profit organizations that offer social services and support people in need (e.g. Caritas, Diakonie, Diakonie).e.g. Caritas, Diakonie, Red Cross).

 

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