Care agencies in Austria - a burden or real added value?

What long-term care agencies will really cost in 2025 - and how to find better alternatives

When caring for a loved one People at Home becomes a challenge, many families in Austria turn to care agencies. They advertise complete solutions - from recruitment to legal formalities. But do they actually deliver what they promise?

At first glance, agencies seem helpful: they structure the process and take care of the organization. However, many families report hidden costs, complicated contracts and a feeling of loss of control.

Lack of price transparency, the middleman between family and caregiver and legal gray areas lead to a crucial question: do care agencies really serve families - or rather themselves?

In this article, we show you what care agencies in Austria really cost, what emotional and practical consequences they can have and what alternatives - such as noracares - offer more fairness and self-determination. A platform that connects people: direct, transparent and respectful.

The true cost of a care agency

Hidden fees and lack of transparency

Many families initially underestimate the actual financial outlay of a care agency. In addition to the one-off placement fee, there are ongoing costs for organization, support, travel expenses and quality assurance. These are often not clearly communicated - the surprise comes with the first bill.

In some cases, the costs even exceed 2.700 euros, especially for weekend or holiday services (VKI report on care agencies).

Experience report: Lisa's unexpected costs

Lisa from Linz contacted a local agency to provide care for her father, who was suffering from dementia. As a working mother, she was hoping for relief and structure. She was offered a monthly price of around 1,500 euros.

However, the reality became apparent after just a few weeks: 300 euros for admission, 120 euros per month for quality assurance, 250 euros in travel costs for the caregiver and surcharges for weekends brought the bill to over 2.300 euros.

Even more stressful was the feeling of having been deceived. Lisa felt trapped in a contract that she could barely see through. Instead of relief, the agency brought new worries and sleepless nights.

Dependence through contracts & non-transparent remuneration

Unfair contract clauses

Many care agency contracts contain non-compete or exclusivity agreements. These prevent caregivers from working directly with families after the end of the contract. Such clauses can apply for months - a massive restriction on professional freedom and income, especially for foreign care workers.

Lack of transparency in payment

Agencies often retain a significant portion of the agreed remuneration. Many nursing staff do not receive a precise breakdown of how their payment is made up. Delayed or reduced payments are not uncommon - this is demotivating and has a direct impact on the quality of care.

Experience report: Lucia's story

Lucia from Romania reports: After four weeks of hard work, she only received 900 euros - significantly less than agreed. The agency had withheld almost 40% under the pretext of language assistance, coordination and administrative costs. Her inquiries were ignored, calls were forwarded.

"I left my family to look after someone else - and wasn't respected myself," says Lucia.

It was only through noracares that she regained confidence in her profession. She was able to decide for herself who she worked with, negotiate her conditions directly and was paid on time. Today, she works independently and with pride - because transparency makes all the difference.

The true added value of noracares

Direct and transparent links

noracares based on a clear model without middlemen: families and caregivers connect directly - without hidden costs or unclear agreements.

• Families pay caregivers directly - with no deductions or surprises.
• No agency commissions or management fees.
• Personal communication (email or video) even before the assignment creates trust.
• Caregivers determine their own price, location and working hours.

This model strengthens both sides - and creates fair, trusting relationships.

Experience report: Why Thomas chose noracares

Thomas from Vienna was looking for support for his mother with Parkinson's disease. The agency constantly changed caregivers, charged opaque surcharges and barely communicated.

Through noracares, Thomas was able to compare profiles, conduct personal interviews and decide for himself.

"It was the first time I felt like I really had a say," says Thomas. "My mother finally received the care she deserved."

The direct payment and freedom of choice gave him back control - and confidence in care.

Nora's tip box: How to make the right choice

You should consider these points when choosing a support solution:

• Transparent costs:Always get a written breakdown of all fees.
• Direct communication:Personal contact in advance helps to avoid uncertainties.
• Fair working conditions:Only those who are treated well can provide good care.
• Qualification & Language: Make sure you have a proven education and sufficient knowledge of German.

A good decision not only protects your budget - but also your nerves.

Agency or direct route?

Care agencies may seem to take the pressure off at first glance - but the first few weeks are often followed by uncertainty, high costs and a lack of transparency. For families in an already emotionally stressful phase, this can become a real burden.

noracares shows that there is another way: personal, clear and fair. You decide who comes into your home. You negotiate the price directly. And you know exactly what happens.

Care is something human - and should be organized that way. With noracares, you are not just choosing a platform, but a model based on trust. And that makes all the difference.

• Care allowance: Monthly financial support for people in need of care, depending on the care level.
• ÖQZ-24 certification: Official seal of quality for 24-hour care agencies in Austria.
• Dependence on agencies: When caregivers are contractually bound to agencies and cannot work freely.
• Direct payment: Fair payment without middlemen - directly from the family to the caregiver.
• Caregiver turnover: Frequent changes of nursing staff, often due to poor working conditions.
• Quality assurance fee: Monthly fee that is supposedly used to verify care but is often untraceable.
• Competition clause: Contractual clause prohibiting caregivers from working directly with families after agency contact.
• 24-hour allowance: Government grant for the Financing of round-the-clock care from care level 3.