According to the study, 24-hour care is threatened by a state of emergency

The situation of nursing care in Austria is increasingly under scrutiny. Against the background of an ageing society, the shortage of nursing staff is one of the critical weaknesses in an age-appropriate and disease-appropriate care system. A new study by the Johannes Kepler University Linz in cooperation with RCC (Reichmann Research Consulting) illustrates the urgent problems and growing dissatisfaction of the approximately 70,000 24-hour caregivers in Austria.

Precarious working and remuneration conditions

The study was conducted among 2,021 caregivers and shows that the current working and remuneration conditions in 24-hour care are precarious. Tax burdens and persistent inflation are particularly difficult for caregivers. As a result, many are considering leaving Austria and working in European countries with better working and social conditions. A press conference in December 2023, which was attended by representatives of the independent pensioners' association of Austria (PVÖ), the trade union vida and the trade union initiative vidaflex , showed a clear picture of the current situation.

 

Peter Kostelka, President of the Independent Pensioners' Association of Austria (PVÖ), emphasized the precarious situation and the growing demand for 24-hour caregivers in Austria: "We are increasingly sliding into a care crisis! The framework conditions for 24-hour care urgently need to be improved!" Natascha Feigl from the trade union vida emphasised the importance of paid work for women and explained: "Our vision at the trade union vida is to support women in the world of work, regardless of whether they have a service slip or a trade licence."  to appropriately appreciate the work of the 24-hour caregivers and to implement urgent improvements.

The course contents in brief

The study is based on the findings of 2,021 24-hour caregivers in Austria. The survey took place between July and September 2023 in eight different languages. The majority of respondents come from Croatia, Serbia and Hungary. The results show a high level of dissatisfaction with the current situation, with financial burdens and a lack of appreciation being central problems.

Demands for better care and support in Austria

• Increase in funding for 24-hour care to 1,250 euros and annual valorisation
• Tax improvements for people in need of care and support
• Comprehensive, free supervision for caregivers and relatives
• Suspension of the photo requirement on the e-card at the end of 2023
• Termination of non-transparent lump-sum contracts
• Exemption from the SVS contribution up to a monthly profit of 1,000 euros as well as the creation of a fund for payment difficulties or a new "Bleib Da Bonus"
• The parties concerned emphasise the need for improved 24-hour care and call on politicians to take measures to prevent an imminent state of emergency.