Care level 4: Planning costs for 24-hour care

People with care level 4 have high support needs and are often referred to as care-dependent people. In this blog article, you can find out what this means in terms of costs and how you can cover them. Find out how the costs of 24-hour care for care level 4 are made up and what financial support options and practical tips are available to you.

 

Maria's story: An everyday challenge

78-year-old Maria lives in a quiet residential area. A few years ago, she was diagnosed with care level 4: Maria now needs round-the-clock care. Her family is faced with the challenge of providing the best care for her without getting into financial difficulties - no easy task. Unfortunately, Maria and her family's story is not an isolated case.

 

With the ageing society in Austria, 24-hour care is becoming increasingly important for people with care level 4. More and more families are having to deal with the high costs and financial planning that intensive care entails. The need for care for relatives is not only an emotional burden, but also a considerable financial one.

 

In this article, we shed light on the costs of 24-hour care for care level 4 and provide you with a comprehensive overview. We show you which financial support options and state subsidies are available to you and give you valuable tips on how to reduce costs. Our aim is to help you plan your loved one's care in the best possible way and minimize the financial burden.

 

 

Overview of costs for 24-hour care

When people have the fourth level of care, intensive care, such as 24-hour care, is usually necessary. This is not only labor-intensive, but often also cost-intensive. As a rule, relatives have to reckon with monthly costs of 2,000 to 3,000 euros. However, this cost range can vary considerably. Private agencies usually have the highest prices, as additional costs are incurred for the placement. However, some families can try to reduce care costs, for example by using technical aids or taking on some of the care work themselves.

 

These costs are often between 200 and 500 euros extra per month. Hiring a private caregiver, for example through noracares, is much cheaper. There are no agency fees here and you can make an individual agreement with the carer. This is also what Maria's relatives did.

 

 

Cost factors:

If we take a closer look at the costs for 24-hour care, we can see that these are made up of several components. These include:

Caregivers' wages:

• The majority of the costs are accounted for by the nursing staff's salaries. These can vary depending on the qualifications, experience and origin of the caregiver. If the nurse has additional qualifications and specializations, he or she can usually demand a higher salary.

 

Maintenance:

• The individual care requirements play a significant role in the cost calculation. People with higher care needs who require intensive medical care or special care services need more intensive care, which incurs higher costs. The amount of care required is often determined by the number of hours of care and support provided each day, with extensive care plans leading to higher expenses.

 

Additional services: 

• Additional services such as leisure activities can improve the quality of life of the person in need of care, but incur additional costs. Household-related services such as cleaning, laundry and shopping are also often optional and cost extra.

 

Accommodation:

• In most cases, the caregiver lives in the household of the person in need of care. This may incur additional costs for accommodation and meals.

 

Region:

• The region can also make a difference: In urban areas such as Vienna, the cost of living and therefore the cost of care is often higher than in rural areas. The costs in Vienna and other large cities, for example, can be 10 to 20 percent higher than in rural areas.

 

 

Financial support and government grants

The care allowance is an essential support for people who are dependent on help due to their need for care. For care level 4, people in need of care receive a monthly care allowance of €827.10 (as of 2024). This care allowance is used to cover the costs of care and support in everyday life.

 

The requirements for receiving this care allowance are:

Care level 4: 

• In order to receive care allowance at the level of care level 4, the need for care must be determined in accordance with the relevant guidelines and confirmed by a care assessor.

 

Need: 

• The person in need of care must be dependent on continuous support due to physical or mental impairments.

 

Eligible persons: 

• Both Austrian and foreign citizens can receive care allowance, provided they meet the necessary requirements and are resident in Austria.

 

This money is important, but is nowhere near enough to cover the costs of 24-hour care. Therefore, in addition to the care allowance, there is another subsidy for 24-hour care that can help you to reduce the financial burden of care. Depending on the type of care, the subsidy can range from 400 to 1,600 euros per month.

 

To be eligible for this grant, the caregiver must meet one of the following requirements:

 

• about a theoretical education, which essentially corresponds to that of a home help,
.

 

• since at least has been providing professional care to the person in need of care for at least (within the meaning of the Home Care Act or pursuant to Section 159 of the Trade Regulation Act

 

• certain nursing and/or medical activities after they have been ordered, explained and supervised by a qualified nurse or doctor (permitted in accordance with § 3b or § 15 para. 6 of the Healthcare and Nursing Act or in accordance with § 50b of the Medical Act).

 

Maria's caregiver, for example, fulfilled both the first and second points, which is why she received a corresponding grant.

 

Tips for reducing the costs of 24-hour care for care level 4

Despite the grant and care allowance, Maria and her family still had to cover the remaining costs of care. They came up with a few clever strategies and got tips from other relatives to reduce these costs. These include, for example:

 

Check the deductibility of care costs: 

• Care costs can be tax-deductible under certain conditions. These include expenses for home care, the costs of nursing staff and special medical aids. These costs can be listed in the tax return and supported by receipts in order to receive tax relief. Home modifications that are necessary for care may also be deductible.

 

Tuse technical tools:

• The use of care aids such as special beds, lifting aids or emergency call systems can make care easier and potentially reduce the need for continuous care. These devices are often one-off investments that can save costs in the long term by reducing the amount of care required and allowing those in need of care to be more independent.

 

Consider part-time care:

• Instead of employing a caregiver around the clock, it may be more cost-effective to hire a part-time caregiver and divide the caregiving duties among family members. The professional carer can, for example, only be called in at times when special medical or nursing support is required. However, this is not always possible and should always be weighed up against the burden on family members.

 

Involve family members:

• Involving family members, friends, neighbors or volunteers in daily care can reduce the actual working hours of the 24-hour caregiver. Costs can be saved by taking on everyday tasks such as meal preparation, mobility support or leisure activities.

 

 

Cost example: This is how Maria's family solved it

Maria and her family opted for a self-employed caregiver, which they found through noracares. To reduce the monthly costs, they agreed on 24-hour care, with the relatives taking on some of the household tasks. In combination with technical aids and the support of their dependent relatives, they were able to reduce the monthly costs to 1,850 euros.

 

Maria has care level 4 and therefore receives 827.10 euros in care allowances. In addition, she receives a grant of 574 euros per month for her self-employed 24-hour caregiver. This leaves 448.90 euros that she and her family have to pay out of their own pockets. This amount can be covered by Maria using around 250 euros from her pension and the two children each paying an additional 100 euros per month.

 

Frequently asked questions about the costs of 24-hour care with care level 4

What happens if the need for care changes?

If the care needs change, it is important to react quickly to ensure that the care continues to meet the needs of the care recipient. In such cases, you should inform the care provider or caregiver immediately. They can then adjust the care plan or provide additional support. If you use part-time or hourly care, it may be necessary to change the contract accordingly or hire an additional caregiver. Regularly review the care needs and agreements to ensure that any changes are implemented in a timely manner.

 

Who covers the costs of medication and bandages?

The cost of medication and bandages is not usually included in the cost of 24-hour care. These expenses usually have to be paid separately. In many cases, health insurance will cover the costs of necessary medication and medical aids if they are prescribed by a doctor. It is worth asking your health insurance company which services are covered and which costs you may have to bear yourself. Make sure you keep all receipts and prescriptions in order to claim reimbursements.

 

Can I take advantage of 24-hour care for a shorter period of time?

Yes, it is possible to take advantage of 24-hour care for shorter periods of time. Some care providers offer flexible models that can be adapted to actual needs. This can be useful, for example, for temporary periods of support after a stay in hospital or during times of high stress for the family. Agree in advance with the care provider or carer how long the care will be needed and what costs will be incurred for shorter periods. At noracares, you can also find short-term caregivers who can step in spontaneously and cover your needs.

 

 

Nora's conclusion

The decision to seek 24-hour care for a loved one is never easy and can be a significant financial burden. But as Maria and her family have shown, with targeted planning and clever strategies, it is possible to optimize costs while ensuring high-quality care. State subsidies and the care allowance are an important support for families to help them meet the costs.

 

So if you're facing the challenge of funding 24-hour care, remember: there are many ways to manage the financial burden and ensure loving, competent care. Don't be discouraged, but use the options available to find a solution that meets both your loved one's needs and your budget. With the right information and a little commitment, you too can find a balance that benefits everyone involved.