Care aids: More quality of life and relief for caregivers

Do you or a relative need care? Life suddenly changes and many things are unfamiliar. But with the right aids, you can make your everyday life more independent again and improve your quality of life. In this article, you will learn everything you need to know about care aids: What are they? How do you apply for them? And how can they help you to lead a self-determined life? We'll guide you step by step and give you practical tips for your everyday life.

 

Elderly woman and her daughter smiling and holding hands in the garden

 

Dorota's story: From independence to dependency

Dorota, originally from Poland, lived a full life in a small village in Austria, where she worked as a cleaner. She was always in a good mood and enjoyed her new home. But one day everything changed: Dorota fell off a ladder at work and seriously injured her spine. From then on, she was paraplegic and dependent on a wheelchair. What used to be a daily routine suddenly became a major challenge.

Thanks to the support of her former employer, a helpful head teacher, Dorota was able to apply for care aids that made her life easier. A care bed and a barrier-free shower significantly improved her quality of life. But what exactly are care aids and how can they help you or your relatives?

 

What are nursing aids?

Care aids are technical devices and consumables that make everyday life easier for people in need of care and their carers. They are divided into two categories: technical care aids and care aids for consumption.

 

Technical nursing aids

Caregiver supports elderly woman in wheelchair, both smiling friendly

 

These aids promote mobility and enable a more independent lifestyle:

  • Care beds and accessories (e.g. bed rails, side rails, side rails).e.g. bed gallows, side rails)
  • Wheelchairs and walkers
  • Positioning aids to prevent pressure ulcers
  • Washing systems and shower trolleys for personal hygiene
  • Home emergency call systems for added security

 

Care aids for consumption

Consumables that make the maintenance process easier:

  • Gloves, face mask and protective aprons
  • Disinfectant for hygiene
  • Bed protection underlays and incontinence products
  • Catheters and other disposable products

Consumables can regularly be provided free of charge or with financial support.

 

Applying for care aids: How it works

Friendly caregiver sits with elderly man and both smile happily

 

In Austria, it is possible to apply for care aids via the Ministry of Social Affairs' support fund for people with disabilities. People in need of care can receive financial support for technical aids and structural adaptations to make everyday life more accessible. Eligible projects include, for example:

  • Housing adaptations (e. g.e.g. the installation of a barrier-free shower)
  • Mobility aids like converting a vehicle
  • Assistance dogs, who provide support in everyday life

 

Requirements for the application

The following conditions must be met in order to apply for nursing aids:

  • Austrian citizenship or equivalent status
  • Income limit: € 1.933.30 net for single persons, plus € 380 per relative (€ 570 for disabled relatives)
  • 50% disability, evidenced by a disability certificate
  • It must be a construction project or trade a specific measure (no ongoing costs)

Technical care aids such as wheelchairs or care beds can also be applied for directly with a doctor's prescription. In these cases, the health insurance company covers the majority of the costs, while the person in need of care has to bear around 10% of the costs themselves.

Nora's tip:You can apply for care aids online at the Ministry of Social Affairs. Use your citizen card or cell phone signature to submit the application.

 

Checklist for applying for care aids:

Close-up of a hand ticking off checkboxes on a paper with a red pen.

 

Before submitting an application, you should have the following documents ready:

  • Medical certificate: This certifies the need for the respective care aids.
  • Care degree certificate: The decision confirms your entitlement to long-term care insurance benefits.
  • Invoice for the desired aid: An estimate can also be helpful.
  • Identity card or passport:For identification.
  • Insurance card: To prove your affiliation to the health insurance company.

How to proceed:

  1. Inform yourself: Ask your health insurance provider or a medical supply retailer about the exact application process.
  2. Fill out the application:Make sure to fill in all fields completely and truthfully.
  3. Submit the application: Submit the completed application together with the required documents to your health insurance company.

Nora's tip:Keep a copy of all documents.

 

Financial support and cost coverage

 

A ballpoint pen lies on financial reports with colorful charts spread out on a wooden table. In the background are stacked coins in silver and gold representing financial concepts.

 

Care aids are often expensive, but there are various options for financial support. People in need of care in Austria can receive subsidies for care aids under certain conditions. These depend on the respective health insurance company and the aid required. In some cases, care aids can also be provided on loan, such as crutches or inhalation devices.

 

Which care aids are approval-free?

Some care aids do not require approval from the health insurance company. These include:

  • Crutches and walkers
  • Blood glucose meters
  • Orthopedic insoles

The exact list of aids that are exempt from approval may vary depending on the federal state and social insurance provider.

 

Dorota's next step: regaining independence

 

Grandmother, mother and granddaughter enjoy tea together in the garden on a sunny day

 

Thanks to the support of her colleagues and the Ministry of Social Affairs, Dorota has new hope. She was able to apply for the care aids she needed and is looking forward to having a barrier-free home soon. With a new care bed and an adapted shower, it will be easier for her to manage her everyday life and regain her independence.

 

Special tips for family caregivers

As a family caregiver, you perform an indispensable task - but you also need breaks and support. Take advantage of offers such as day care or short-term care to take time for yourself. Our noracares platform will help you find the right care or support. It can also be helpful to join a support group to share experiences with other carers.

 

Tips for choosing care aids:

  • Does the aid suit my individual needs?Consider exactly what functions the aid should perform and whether it will make your everyday life easier.
  • Is the tool easy to use?Ease of use is particularly important if you want to use the tool independently.
  • How high are the follow-up costs? Find out about possible additional costs, such as for batteries or spare parts.
  • Is the tool safe? Look for seals of approval and certificates that guarantee the safety of the product.
  • Can I have the tool customized if necessary? Some tools can be customized to best suit your needs.

 

Future Perspectives:

 

An elderly woman shows a bottle of medication during an online conversation with a doctor. Telemedical advice on how to take medication correctly.

 

Nursing aids move with the times:

The care industry is constantly evolving. More and more innovative technologies are finding their way into the everyday lives of people in need of care.

  • Digital helpers:Smart sensors in care beds, for example, can detect pressure ulcers at an early stage and sound the alarm.
  • Telemedicine: Video conferencing with doctors or therapists enables better care, even from home.
  • Robot-assisted Maintenance: Robots can assist with simple tasks such as lifting or transporting objects.
  • Sustainability: Many manufacturers focus on environmentally friendly materials and production processes. For example, there are wheelchairs made from recycled plastic or care beds with particularly energy-efficient motors.

 

Take advantage of the future:

Read about new developments in the field of care aids on a regular basis. There may soon be a solution that makes your everyday life even easier.

 

Additional tips:

  • Get advice: Talk to your doctor, a medical supply retailer or a care advice centre. They can help you choose the right aids.
  • Try out the aid: If possible, test the tool before you buy it to make sure it meets your needs.
  • Be open to new things: The care industry is constantly evolving. Be open to new technologies and solutions.

 

Deepening the topic "Degrees of care":

 

Differences between care levels and care grade table
Old care level Level of care
not previously intended as
level of care		 1
Care level 0
Care level 1		 2
Care level 1 with e. A.
Care level 2		 3
Care level 2 with e. A.
Care level 3		 4
Care level 3 with e. A.
Care level 3 as a hardship case		 5

 

  • Care levels and care aids: The care degree or care level determines which care services and aids are covered by the care insurance fund. As a rule, the higher the degree or level of care, the greater the entitlement to care aids.

  • Example: A care level 4 usually enables the purchase of a more extensive range of care aids, such as an electric wheelchair or a special care bed with integrated scales.

 

Regional differences in cost coverage

  • Regional differences: The exact benefits and requirements may vary depending on the federal state and social insurance provider. It is therefore advisable to seek individual advice.

  • Recommendation of advice centers:Contact your local care insurance fund or an advice centre for people with disabilities. They will provide you with comprehensive information on your individual entitlements and options.

 

Nora's FAQs

noracares FAQs
In addition to care insurance benefits, there are often opportunities to receive grants from foundations or social institutions. Check with your local authority or social networks. Some care aids can also be applied for via the social welfare office.
You can lodge an appeal. You can get support from advice centers such as the Chamber of Labour.
Your doctor can prescribe care aids and advise you on which are best suited to your needs.

 

Graphic of nurse Nora with a stethoscope around her neck and the text 'Nora's conclusion' on a green banner. Closing remark or summary in the health sector.

 

With the right care aids, people in need of care and their relatives can break new ground together. Whether it's about maintaining mobility, making everyday life easier or increasing safety - the options are many and varied. Find out about the right aids for you and make use of the support you are entitled to.

Do you need help or support in nursing or care? Register now on noracares and find the right caregiver for your individual needs.

Are you looking for a job in nursing? Register now as a nurse on noracares and find your dream job quickly and easily!

 

Graphic logo of Nora's treasure trove of knowledge, a collection of information for caregivers. Ideal for presenting nursing knowledge and advice.

 

  • Nursing aids: Technical devices and consumables that make everyday life easier for people in need of care and their carers.
  • Care level:A measure of a person's individual care needs that determines the amount of care insurance benefits.
  • Technical care aids: devices such as wheelchairs, care beds or lifts that promote mobility and independence.
  • Care aids for consumption:disposable products such as diapers, gloves or disinfectants.
  • Accessibility: The design of spaces and environments so that they can also be used by people with disabilities.
  • Ministry of Social Affairs: The Austrian authority responsible for social affairs and also responsible for the promotion of care aids.
  • Krankenkasse: The institution that covers the costs of medical treatment and certain care services.
  • Disability pass: An official document certifying the degree of disability of a person.
  • Ergotherapist: A professional who supports people with physical, mental or psychological impairments in regaining their independence.
  • Sanitätsfachhandel: A brief description of the tasks of a medical supply retailer (advice, fitting, supply of medical aids).
  • Care insurance:A brief explanation of long-term care insurance, its benefits and how to apply.

  • Assistive technologies: A term that encompasses the variety of modern assistive technologies, from simple everyday aids to complex technical solutions.

     

     

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