Unlike the South Korean system, which has age restrictions,
German citizens regardless of age are eligible to
receive long-term care benefits. The method for determining
eligibility for benefits is similar to South Korea,
but differs in certain aspects. Physicians and nurses assess
care levels under specific guidelines, as mandated by the
Medical Review Board. To receive benefits, persons must
have limitations in two ADLs that will persist for at least
6 months and a need for help in some instrumental activities
of daily living (IADLs). In 2007, 30% of applications for
assistance were rejected [19]. The system has three levels
of care needs, similar to the five grades in South Korea: (1)
need for considerable care, (2) need for intensive care, and
(3) need for highly intensive care. Starting in 2008, there
is also grade 0 for individuals with dementia. According to
the German Federal Ministry of Health, the probability of
being in need of care is 0.7% for persons younger than 60,
4.2% for persons between 60 and 80 years, and increases to
28.8% for persons older than 80 years