As mother-child-cure a special form of the stationary medical precaution and/or rehablitation is called. However, it applies not only to mothers, but also to fathers.
If’s the load becomes too much
The mother-child-cure, also called father-child-cure or short Mukiku, is a special cure, which counts to the medical precaution and rehabilitation. It is considered an offer for mothers and fathers who are overworked or ill. In some cases, it may also be necessary to treat the child, so that he or she accompanies his or her parents to the spa and also receives therapeutic measures. Originally, the mother-child cure was aimed exclusively at mothers of children. In 2002, the offer was extended to fathers as well. In most cases, however, only mothers with their children take advantage of the cure. A mother-child cure is used when the mother is exposed to such high stress in raising her child or children that she hardly finds time for important recreational breaks. If the daily stress becomes too intense over time, there is a risk that the mother will eventually fall ill. However, the mother-child cure shows the mother ways in which she can better manage her everyday events.
Why a mother-child cure can be useful
A mother-child cure fulfills the purpose of preventing mothers from falling ill due to severe everyday stresses. Nevertheless, it is not a vacation trip at the expense of health insurance companies. Thus, during their stay at the spa, mothers learn to manage their daily lives more easily and to avoid unnecessary exertion. In addition, medical care is provided. In today’s world, a mother’s duties can be compared to those of a family manager. Not only does she have to take care of the children, but she also has to take care of the household and many things related to it. If there are also professional tasks to be fulfilled, this doubles the stress. The affected women therefore hardly find time to relax. The constant stress eventually has a negative effect on health, which can manifest itself in the form of heart palpitations, sleep disorders, back problems and chronic headaches. Even a normal vacation is then often not enough to regenerate. For these reasons, a mother-child cure can be very useful, because it helps the mother to gain distance from everyday stress and to gather new strength.
Requirements and application
The legal basis for the mother-child-cure is regulated by paragraphs 24 and 41 Fifth Book of the Social Code. Thus, parents have a legal right to preventive measures in order to have a weakening of their health, which would lead to illness over time, eliminated. Furthermore, the aim is to prevent illnesses, to avoid their aggravation and to prevent health risks to the child. The first step towards a mother-child cure is a visit to the doctor, who will issue an appropriate medical certificate. Together with the application, the mother then submits the certificate to the relevant health insurance fund. If you are looking for help, you can find it at welfare organizations and counseling centers. It is also advisable to enclose a self-help form. In addition, the mother’s situation and her constant daily stresses must be described. These can be, for example, a sick child or financial problems. Raising the child alone is considered another burden. The approval of the mother-child-cure requires patience, because it often takes weeks or months. If permission is finally granted, the special cure can be started. The financing is covered by the statutory health insurance funds, which applies to both the mother and her children. However, the mother must pay a cost share of ten euros per calendar day.
Duration and stay
As a rule, a mother-child cure lasts 21 days. On application, however, an extension of the cure can be made, provided that there are medical reasons for it. The extension is then a further seven days. A renewed mother-child cure is only possible again after four years at the earliest. An exception is made for compelling medical reasons. The mother-child-cure is by no means a vacation stay. Thus, the mother must actively participate in the events of the cure.A treatment plan is organized by the spa clinic, which is individually tailored to the mother. The therapy measures mostly include physiotherapeutic exercises, educational or psychological talks, nutritional counseling, exercise programs and other training. Depending on the age of the child and the options included in the spa clinic, childcare is also available, as well as educational measures for school-age children outside the vacations.
Spa concepts
Most mother-child cures follow the concept of salutogenesis. This is a holistic therapy. The treatment plan varies from mother to mother and is adapted to her individual needs. It includes physiotherapy, therapeutic baths, psychological care and medical measures. Holistic care is considered important because most illnesses are psychosomatic as a result of everyday overload. In addition, focus cures are also offered that deal with single mothers, ADD/ADHD, neurodermatitis, asthma, obesity and cancer.
Prevention is better than cure
As a preventive measure, a mother-child cure is highly recommended. In this way, physical complaints can be reduced and the mother’s health can be strengthened by the spa concept, so that no healing needs to take place in the first place. The mother discovers through the active time out new possibilities how she can better master her everyday problems and at the same time refuels new valuable energy. Not infrequently, this also allows her to find a zest for life again.
