Characteristics of applicants with a first-time recognition of need for long-term care

Abstract Background The increasing number of care-dependent individuals requires approaches to prevent care dependency or reduce loss of independence. Long-term care assessments can provide valuable insights into this. In Germany, the Medical Service is responsible for the long-term care assessment (care level) that focuses on limitations in independent living. Objectives The aim of this contribution is to describe initial applicants with identified need for long-term care. Materials and methods The nationwide database consists of long-term care assessments conducted by the German Medical Service of health insured people aged 60 and above who received a care level (1=smallest till 5= largest limitations) for the first time in 2021. Long-term care-relevant information is analyzed descriptively. Results 339,486 individuals with an average age of 79.6 years (SD: 8.4) were analyzed. The age distribution shows that the 80-89 age group comprises half of the sample (49.9%), whereas those aged 90+ encompass the smallest proportion of the sample (9.3%). More women than men received a care level (59.0% women vs. 41.0% men), with women predominant in care level 1-2 and men in the higher care level 3-5. Overall, approximately half of the sample received care level 2, 32.4 % received care level 1. Care levels 3-5 were assessed less frequently (16.2 % vs. 4.8 % vs. 1.7 %). The most frequent care-relevant diagnoses were senility (R54), polyarthrosis (M15), and dementia (F03). Conclusions Over three quarters of initial applicants are classified into the lowest care levels (1 and 2). Accordingly, tertiary prevention measures are recommended, as these may delay the further progression into a higher care level. Key messages • Over three quarters of initial applicants for long-term care are classified into the lowest care levels. Accordingly, tertiary prevention measures may recommended to delay further care progression. • The most frequent care-relevant diagnoses were senility (R54), polyarthrosis (M15), and dementia (F03).