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Hof Saelde Address & Contact
Hof Saelde Overview
Hof Saelde in Ascheffel is located in the municipality of Ascheffel in the district of Rendsburg-Eckernförde, Schleswig-Holstein. The name "Saelde" is a Middle High German word for happiness and bliss and represents an establishment that provides security and dignity to people in special life situations. Hof Saelde was founded in 1992 by an initiative of local citizens who aimed to establish a nursing home that focuses on humanity and individuality. Since then, the facility has continuously developed and provides a home for elderly individuals who need support and care.
Care and Support Services
Hof Saelde offers residential and care services in an agricultural, nature-oriented environment. The farm concept combines animal-assisted care, gardening therapy, and the experience of rural everyday rituals with professional care. Animal-assisted therapy, where animals such as dogs and cats are actively integrated into daily care, provides emotional stability and supports the residents' mobility. Gardening therapy utilizes the natural environment and promotes active participation and independence through gardening and contact with nature.
Another aspect of the service is the individual care of the residents. This includes comprehensive nursing services, such as assistance with personal hygiene, nutrition, and mobilization, as well as the design of leisure activities that are specifically tailored to the residents' needs. This is supported by well-trained professional staff who regularly participate in further training to meet the high standards in care.
Regulatory Classification and Quality Assurance
Hof Saelde is subject to the strict regulations of the Schleswig-Holstein Ministry of Health and Social Affairs, as well as the provisions of the State Care Act. Regular quality inspections by independent testing agencies ensure that the high standards in care and support are maintained. A transparent complaint management system ensures that the concerns of residents and their relatives are taken seriously and can be addressed promptly. Thus, Hof Saelde remains a reliable partner in all matters of care not only for the residents but also for their families.
Importance for the Region
Hof Saelde has developed into an important point of contact for elderly people in the region. The facility is not only a place of residence but also an active member of the Ascheffel community. Through regular events, such as festivals and markets, the farm promotes exchange between generations. The significance of old traditions is deliberately brought to the forefront, benefiting not only the residents but also the visitors. This creates a sense of community and belonging that extends beyond the walls of the farm.
Additionally, Hof Saelde is involved in regional networks to improve the living conditions for elderly individuals. This includes collaborations with educational institutions, specialist advisors for elderly care, and social organizations to ensure holistic care and to recognize and address the needs of the elderly population.
Location Ascheffel / Schleswig-Holstein
Ascheffel is located in the district of Rendsburg-Eckernförde in the Schleswig-Holstein hilly landscape between Rendsburg and Schleswig. The nature-rich region with forests, lakes, and the Hüttener Berge Nature Park offers exceptional tranquility and authenticity. The A7 connects the region with Hamburg and Flensburg. The rural silence of Schleswig-Holstein supports mental well-being and allows the residents of Hof Saelde to fully enjoy the benefits of nature. With its fairy-tale landscapes and historical buildings, the surrounding area offers many opportunities for excursions and joint activities that enhance the quality of life of the residents.
Other care facilities in the region: Nursing homes in Schleswig-Holstein or all nursing homes in Germany on Sanoliste.
Frequently asked questions about Hof Saelde
What is the address of Hof Saelde?
The address is: Unterschoothorst 5, 24358 Ascheffel, Schleswig-Holstein. Für Besuche und Besichtigungen empfiehlt sich eine telefonische Voranmeldung.
What is the telephone number of Hof Saelde?
The telephone number of Hof Saelde is +49 4353 610. For questions about care places and appointments, please contact the team directly.
What care services are available at Hof Saelde?
Hof Saelde as an inpatient care facility in Ascheffel full inpatient care as well as, in many cases, short-term and respite care. For information about the exact services, please contact the facility directly.
What care levels are catered for at Hof Saelde?
For admission to Hof Saelde or other inpatient care homes, a recognised care level (1–5) is generally required. You apply for the care level through your long-term care insurance fund; the assessment is carried out by the Medical Service (MD).
Care Homes in Germany
Related areas in healthcare
Care Homes by location
About Care Homes
A care home (Pflegeheim or vollstationäre Pflegeeinrichtung) is a fully inpatient residential care facility that provides round-the-clock nursing, medical and social care to people who can no longer be adequately supported in their own home. Admission is linked to a formally recognised care level (Pflegegrad) under Germany's long-term care insurance system (Soziale Pflegeversicherung, SGB XI). Germany currently recognises five care levels: Pflegegrad 1 (minor impairment of independence) through to Pflegegrad 5 (most severe impairment with special care requirements). Assessment of an individual's care level is conducted by the Medizinischer Dienst (MD, Germany's Medical Review Board, formerly MDK) using a standardised tool called the New Assessment Instrument (Neues Begutachtungsinstrument, NBA), which evaluates six domains of functioning including mobility, cognitive ability, self-care and handling disease-related requirements. Germany has approximately 15,400 residential care facilities offering over 900,000 care places (Federal Statistical Office 2023). Care homes are regulated under the residential care legislation of each individual German federal state (Heimgesetze der Länder) and are subject to regular quality inspections by the MD. Quality reports are publicly accessible. Care costs consist of a nursing component (covered partly by statutory long-term care insurance), accommodation, meals and an investment cost surcharge. Residents who cannot cover their own contribution may apply for social care assistance (Hilfe zur Pflege) through their local social welfare office. This directory covers all residential care facilities in Germany with address, phone number and regional search.
Long-Term Care in Germany: System Overview
Germany's long-term care system (Pflegeversicherung) was established in 1995 as the fifth pillar of the country's social insurance system (soziale Sicherung), alongside health insurance, pension insurance, accident insurance and unemployment insurance. All persons with statutory health insurance are automatically enrolled in statutory long-term care insurance (gesetzliche Pflegeversicherung, GPV), and those with private health insurance must take out equivalent private long-term care insurance. The system provides financial contributions towards the cost of care for individuals who are assessed as meeting the threshold for a recognised care level (Pflegegrad 1 to 5). Importantly, long-term care insurance in Germany operates on the principle of partial coverage (Teilkaskoversicherung), meaning it covers a defined contribution per care level rather than the full cost of care. The significant gap between insurance benefits and actual care home costs must be met by the individual from their own resources or, if these are insufficient, by the social welfare system.
Types of Care Facilities in Germany
Germany's care system distinguishes between several types of long-term care provision. Fully inpatient care homes (vollstationäre Pflegeeinrichtungen) provide 24-hour residential care and are the facilities listed on Sanoliste. Day care facilities (Tagespflege) offer daytime care while the person returns home in the evening. Short-term care (Kurzzeitpflege) provides temporary inpatient care for defined periods, for example after a hospital stay or to give family carers a break. Assisted living facilities (Betreutes Wohnen) and care residential complexes (Pflegewohngemeinschaften) offer an intermediate option between fully independent living and a traditional care home. Prevention and rehabilitation services can delay or reduce the need for full inpatient care. The German care system strongly emphasises enabling people to remain in their own homes as long as possible through outpatient care services (ambulante Pflege) and support for family carers.
Quality Assurance and Oversight of German Care Homes
Quality assurance in German care homes operates through multiple mechanisms. The Medizinischer Dienst (MD) conducts regular quality inspections of all care homes, resulting in published quality reports accessible to the public and families seeking a suitable facility. Since 2019 Germany has introduced a new quality assurance system for inpatient care (Qualitätsprüfungs-Richtlinien stationär, QPR stationär) based on outcome indicators rather than purely process-based criteria. Care homes must collect and submit outcome data including rates of pressure ulcers, falls, catheter-associated infections, unplanned weight loss and pain management. This data is audited by the MD. In addition, state supervisory authorities (Heimaufsicht) carry out inspections focused on compliance with residential care legislation. The Federal Quality Committee (Qualitätsausschuss Pflege), composed of representatives of care homes and long-term care insurance funds, sets national quality standards. Families researching care homes are advised to review the published quality reports, make personal visits and speak with current residents and their families.
Quality Assurance and Supervisory Authorities in German Care Homes
Quality in German care homes is assured through a multi-level control system. The Medical Service (MD) inspects fully inpatient facilities regularly and without prior notice; results are published as quality reports and are accessible to anyone. The state supervisory authority of each federal state grants operating licences and can prohibit operations in cases of serious deficiencies. Since 2019, a new quality system under the Care Quality Development Act (PflEQG) has applied with standardised quality indicators covering falls, pressure ulcers, unintended weight loss and physical restraints. The care home must maintain an internal quality management system and provide regular further training for nursing staff. Staffing ratio requirements specify what proportion of caregivers must hold a recognised professional qualification. Facilities with dementia care concepts, palliative care or short-term care are separately listed in Sanoliste so that relatives can specifically search for specialist care services.
What is a care home?
A care home (residential care facility) provides round-the-clock nursing, medical and social support to people who need ongoing care. Care homes in Germany are subject to oversight by their respective federal state and must undergo regular inspections by the MD (Medizinischer Dienst, Germany's Medical Review Board).
How do I find the right care home?
When choosing a care home, consider location, range of care services, activity programmes, quality ratings, costs and availability. Sanoliste lists all care homes in Germany with full contact details and addresses, sorted by federal state and city, so you can quickly find a suitable facility nearby.
Who pays for care home costs?
Care home costs in Germany are partially covered by statutory long-term care insurance. The remaining personal contribution covering accommodation, meals, investment costs and the facility-specific surcharge must be borne by the resident. If income or assets are insufficient, care assistance can be applied for through the social welfare office.
What are care levels and what do they mean?
Germany has five care levels (Pflegegrad 1 to 5) that describe the degree of impairment to a person's independence. Care level 1 corresponds to minor impairments, while care level 5 covers the most severe impairments with special care requirements. Classification is carried out by the MD (Medical Review Board) using the New Assessment Instrument (NBA).
How many care homes are there in Germany?
Germany has approximately 15,400 fully inpatient residential care facilities (vollstationäre Pflegeeinrichtungen) offering over 900,000 care places, according to the Federal Statistical Office (Statistisches Bundesamt 2023). The number of care places has been growing steadily in response to Germany's ageing population.
What is the Medizinischer Dienst (MD) and how does it assess care homes?
The Medizinischer Dienst (MD), formerly known as MDK (Medizinischer Dienst der Krankenversicherung), is Germany's independent Medical Review Board funded by the statutory health and long-term care insurance funds. The MD carries out regular quality inspections of care homes, assessing nursing quality, care documentation, medication management, hygiene standards and the wellbeing of residents. Inspection results are published as quality reports (Qualitätsberichte) which can be accessed online.
Can expatriates or foreign nationals access care homes in Germany?
Yes. Care homes in Germany are open to all residents regardless of nationality, provided they hold statutory or private long-term care insurance (Pflegeversicherung), which is compulsory for all legal residents in Germany. EU citizens working in Germany and registered residents are generally covered by statutory care insurance. Non-EU nationals with legal residence and employment subject to social insurance contributions are also covered.