We recently looked at what options are available to Germansif they need home care for a family member. Now let’s take a look at how it works in Austria. Are seniors and their families entitled to any allowances to cover expenses related to 24-hour care?
Contributions to care at home
The Ministry of Social Affairs in Austria has created a model to provide benefits from the support fund for people in need with disabilities or their family members. In addition to the contribution to care divided on the basis of seven levels (so-called dependency), there is also the possibility to apply for 24-hour care support. In order for a person who needs care to be eligible for a support allowance, they must have a recognised care allowance at least at level three. The alternative is a situation where the ill person requires non-stop care due to the presence of dementia. In addition, the patient must prove that there is a care relationship between him or her and the other person.
Amount of contribution
The amount of the allowance is EUR 550 per month for two self-employed caregivers. This amount is to €275 per caregiver per month. In order for the subsidy to be granted, the caregiver qualifications must be documented (completion of a health care course) or she must have at least six months of care experience. However, these funds cannot be claimed for the same caregiver in multiple locations within the same month. This means that if carer in Austria changes in two families in a month, only one family can cover part of her salary with these benefits.
If a hospital or spa treatment is necessary and the costs associated with the stay are covered by the state, social security or health insurance, the care allowance shall be withhold for the duration of the stay from the second day of the stay.
Degree of dependence on caregiving
Level of dependency in Austria is determined by doctors or qualified nurses. Social insurance institutions will instruct them to make a professional assessment based on an examination of the person seeking care, either in their office or during a visit to the patient’s home. The medical report on the client’s health is the basis for determining the amount of the allowance for care. The Austrian Sick Pay Act defines the activities that are taken into account in the calculation. The time required to carry out these actions shall be taken into account. This includes help with activities such as dressing, daily care, grooming, preparing meals, helping with feeding or toileting, medication, helping with moving and positioning, laundry, cleaning and getting food.
In the table below you can see the individual contributions depending on the degree of dependency and also on the basis of which time pool the degree of dependency is defined.
| caregiving needed in hours per month | Degree of dependency | Amount per month (valid from 2023) |
| more than 65 hours | 1 | 175€ |
| more than 95 hours | 2 | 322,70€ |
| more than 120 hours | 3 | 502,80€ |
| more than 160 hours | 4 | 754€ |
| more than 180 hours and at the same time the caregiver constant readiness should the client need help, and at least one check up during the night | 5 | 1 024,20€ |
| more than 180 hours and at the same time the constant presence of caregiver is necessary | 6 | 1 430,20€ |
| more than 180 hours and at the same time the client is unable to move, bedridden patient | 7 | 1 879,50€ |
In case you are unable to care for your loved one and want to provide them with quality and comfortable care, we are here for you. We have carers from different countries in Central and Eastern Europe, so we can find the one that will meet your expectations and requirements.
