What belongs in a care diary
A few keywords are not enough for the assessment. What counts is the recurring, specific need for help. Every entry should include:
| Detail | Example | In the app |
|---|---|---|
| Date and time | Feb 3, 7:15 | automatic |
| Type of help | washing and dressing | choose the activity |
| Time in minutes | 25 minutes | time spent per activity |
| Observations | got up twice at night, unsteady when walking | observation with time |
| Wounds and skin | redness on the left heel | photo, location and note |
You can also write this down on paper. Write in minutes: "help with washing, 25 minutes" says more than "helped in the morning." Think of nutrition, mobility, supervision and the night too, not just personal care.
How the diary helps with the assessment
In Germany, whether someone is in need of care is determined by § 14 of Social Code Book XI (SGB XI), and the five care levels are set out in § 15 SGB XI. The long-term care insurance fund decides on the application based on an assessment by the Medical Service (Medizinischer Dienst, § 18 SGB XI). The assessment evaluates the need for help in six areas of life, from mobility to organizing everyday life.
The assessment is a snapshot. On a good day, much seems easier than it is in everyday life. A diary that you keep for one to two weeks beforehand shows the recurring effort with times, minutes and examples.
A diary does not guarantee a particular care level. It makes the need understandable.
Also for care workers and care in a home
The app also works if you care for people professionally or your relative lives in a nursing home. You record their condition, such as redness on the heel with a photo and date, and give the PDF to the nursing home management or the doctor.
Care diary template or app?
A paper template costs nothing and is enough if you fill it in every day. But in everyday care, the sheet is rarely where help is being given, and wounds can only be described on it.
You have the app in your pocket. It sets the date and time, takes you through the same fields and attaches the photo directly to the entry.
| Merkmal | Paper template | App |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | none | free without limits, with ads, PDF as a one-time purchase |
| Time | you write it down | the app sets it |
| Wounds | describe them | photo with location and note |
| Record | gather it yourself | in chronological order |
| Sharing | copy it | share the PDF |
What the app costs
no subscriptionbuy once
You record entries for free and without limits. The free version shows ads. A one-time purchase in the Play Store unlocks the PDF export and removes the ads. There is no subscription.
Common questions about the care diary
What do I need a care diary for?
It documents the daily care effort with time and observations. That helps with an application for a care level, with the assessment by the Medical Service and in conversations with the family doctor.
How long should I keep the care diary?
At least one to two weeks before the assessment. Only over time does the recurring effort become visible, including on days that vary.
Who can help me with the care level application?
In Germany, local care support centers (Pflegestützpunkte), care counseling under § 7a SGB XI or a social welfare association. How the application turns out depends on the individual case.
Can I share the record as a PDF?
Yes. You export activities, time spent, observations and wound photos as a PDF and share it with the care insurer, family doctor or nursing home management (one-time purchase).
Is the app a medical device?
No. It is a documentation tool and does not replace medical or nursing advice.
Does the app work without internet?
Yes, recording works offline. Your entries stay on your device, and you do not need an account.
This app is made by ReiVi, the app label of Viktor Reinik from Freilassing, Germany. Every ReiVi app does exactly one job and works without an account. Who is behind ReiVi (in German)
View on Google PlayLegal basis (Germany): §§ 14, 15 and 18 SGB XI (need for care, care levels, assessment by the Medical Service), § 7a SGB XI (care counseling). This page is not medical or legal advice. Updated on October 26, 2026.