Anyone applying for a care level in Germany cannot avoid an assessment by the Medical Service (MDK). For many people, this appointment is a pivotal moment: It determines whether a care level is recognized and what benefits they will receive in the future. In Berlin, this affects thousands of seniors, relatives, and adopted families every year. But for LGBTIQ* seniors, the question arises whether their reality is understood and respected.

What lies behind the assessment

The MDK assesses how independently a person can still manage their daily life. This takes into account not only physical limitations but also mental and psychological stress. An assessor visits the home or nursing home, asks questions, observes processes, and notes where support is needed. The final assessment results in a report that forms the basis for the care level and thus for all subsequent services.

Many people find this appointment stressful. They feel like they're being observed and are afraid of misrepresenting something or forgetting something. Some seniors don't want to "appear weak" and downplay limitations. For relatives, in turn, it's not easy to openly express how stressful the situation really is. And for LGBTIQ* seniors, there's often an additional worry: Will my chosen family be taken seriously? Will my life story be respected?

👉 You can find official information at the Medical Service – Care Assessment .

Special challenges for LGBTIQ* seniors

While heterosexual spouses or children are taken for granted, chosen families and long-standing friendships are often invisible in the care world. Yet, especially in Berlin, these relationships are often the ones that sustain one in old age. If a friend has been doing the shopping for years or a neighbor regularly accompanies a person to doctor's appointments, that's care work—even if it's not legally designated as such.

During the assessment, it's important that these forms of support are clearly identified. Otherwise, a picture emerges that distorts the actual reality of life. This demonstrates the importance of queer-sensitive counseling: It encourages people to speak openly about their own situation, address experiences of discrimination, and make their chosen families visible.

TheBerlin State Office for Equal Treatment – Against Discrimination (LADS) offers an overview of queer-sensitive services for older people .

How to prepare well for the MDK assessment in Berlin for LGBTIQ care

An assessment isn't a test you have to pass, but rather an opportunity to realistically describe your situation. It helps to write down in advance what a typical day looks like: Which activities are difficult? What support do you regularly need? Who will step in if you can't manage something yourself?

In Berlin, you can get support from a care advisor. They are familiar with the procedures and know what assessors are looking for. A joint discussion beforehand can provide reassurance: What questions are likely to arise? Where is it important to honestly disclose weaknesses? What documents should be available?

If you are unsure, you can also contact the Berlin Consumer Advice Center , which provides practical tips on applying for a care level.

The role of everyday assistance and care advice

Daily assistance is more than just a practical service. It shows very concretely where limits are reached in life. Whether it's cooking, cleaning, or doctor's appointments – when these activities are no longer possible alone, it sends a strong signal that support is needed. A discussion with the MDK (Medical Services for the Disabled) can clarify why a care level is justified.

Care counseling, in turn, classifies which benefits are eligible and how they can be combined. Especially when applying for care benefits for the first time, this can be a jungle of regulations and forms. Counseling alleviates the fear of making mistakes, explains the context, and guides you through the process. For LGBTIQ* seniors, this also means someone ensures that chosen families are not overlooked and that discrimination has no place in the assessment process.

👉 You can find out more about this in our care advice (§ 7a) and the everyday assistance services .

Support in Berlin – and what AlleFarben offers in everyday life

Berlin offers many contact points: from general advice centers to nursing care insurance funds to queer projects. However, the services are often scattered and difficult to compare. This is precisely where we at AlleFarben Alltagshilfe come in. We support seniors, relatives, and adopted families in preparing for the assessment, accompany them to the appointment upon request, and help them properly interpret the results afterward.

Our strength lies in the combination of care advice and practical everyday support. This means that we not only understand the theory, but also see where support is needed in everyday life. This knowledge can be incorporated into an MDK assessment in Berlin for LGBTIQ care and ensure that care needs are realistically assessed. At the same time, we pay attention to queer-sensitive communication and ensure that every lifestyle is respected.

The German Alzheimer Society also offers helpful background information on the process .

Conclusion: Gain security through preparation and support

The MDK assessment determines many things: whether a care level is recognized, the level of benefits, and what support options are available in the future. Those who prepare well for this appointment reduce uncertainty and ensure that their own life situation becomes truly transparent.

For LGBTIQ* seniors in Berlin, this means actively involving their chosen families, taking advantage of queer-sensitive counseling, and not being afraid to talk about limitations. With the right support—care counseling and everyday assistance—the appointment can become a step toward greater security, relief, and self-determination.

👉 You can find more information in our care advice (§ 7a) , in the everyday help services or directly on our contact page .