vidahelp - The number for all care cases

In Austria, around 1.5 million people are affected by care. These include people in need of care, family caregivers and caregivers. But what do you do if a nursing case occurs suddenly, from one day to the next? The vidahelp association has answers to these questions. vidahelp is available to advise those affected throughout Austria.

Suddenly, care responsibilities – what now?

Our guest in our podcast "vidaHören" is Yvonne Heuber, Managing Director of the vidahelp association. She is accompanied by Barbara Knezevic. Barbara works for the Austrian Civil Servants' Insurance (ÖBV) and was herself affected by a nursing case. How Barbara experienced this time, how the association vidahelp helped her, you can hear in this podcast episode.

Here is an excerpt from the podcast conversation:

vida editorial team: Barbara, you were confronted with a nursing case from one day to the next. What had happened?

Barbara Knezevic: At the beginning of the year, my father came to the hospital. The doctors said that he would either die or come home as a complete care case. I was absolutely overwhelmed with this message, but tried not to let it show. My boss noticed that something was different, and he reminded me that the Austrian Civil Servants' Insurance has a company membership in vidahelp. At first I thought: Care alone at home, I can do it. But I decided to call vidahelp – and it was the right decision. 

vida editorial team: How did vidahelp help you?

Barbara Knezevic: I was able to get rid of the emotional baggage. Nicole, my vidahelp consultant, listened to me, structured my thoughts with me, provided me with information and set priorities with me, i.e. what to do step by step. Nevertheless, I prayed every day that my father would still be able to stay in the hospital. Because I knew there were a lot of preparations to be made. The number of vidahelp therefore came into my speed dial memory. It's just a reassuring feeling when you know you can call at any time. 

vida editorial team: Yvonne, vidahelp was founded in 2019. What was the motivation back then?

Yvonne Heuber: We have found that many people not only need employment law advice, but that for many the topic of reconciling work and care is becoming increasingly important. And when it comes to care, there are many questions. How do I organize care, what regulations and subsidies are there, and how do I deal with the responsibility for care? vidahelp provides emotional advice – regardless of the industry you work in, the state you live in and your social background. 

vida editorial team: How much does a vidahelp membership cost?

Yvonne Heuber: For 5 euros per month, you can join. vida members pay the discounted rate of 2.50 euros per month. By the way, a vidahelp membership also counts for life partners and first-degree relatives, such as parents or children. In addition, vidahelp offers corporate memberships, as in the case of the ÖBV. Since spring, ÖBB has also been one of our 37 company members. This means that more than 65,000 employees can use our Austria-wide consulting service free of charge.

vida editorial team: Barbara, as an employee of the ÖBV, you used the vidahelp service. How important is it for employers to offer benefits?

Barbara Knezevic: This is very important. If, as in my case, employers show understanding and consideration when you are not left alone in challenging situations, then that gives you security. And that's what makes a good employer, because it's not just the workforce that counts, but the focus is on people.