Care in Austria: The care levels for dementia
In Austria, around 115,000 to 130,000 people suffer from dementia, and the number continues to rise. This increasing challenge requires clear guidance, especially when assigning care levels for People with dementia in Austria. The number of dementia cases is expected to more than double by 2050 (Austrian Dementia Report).
Alois is one of these people. He is 81 years old, physically fit, but has increasing problems with his memory. His granddaughter Anna supports him, but is unable to take over all of the care.
When she enquires about a carer for her grandpa, she quickly realizes that he needs a level of care. But which one?
In Austria, there is a clearly defined system of seven care levels that supports people with dementia. This guide explains everything you need to know about the care levels, the requirements for care allowance entitlement and additional financial assistance.
Care Levels Austria for Dementia: Complete Guide 2024
Caring for dementia patients in Austria can be challenging for families, but understanding the levels of care and financial support options available is crucial. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of care levels, eligibility requirements and the process of applying for care benefits.
The care levels are a central element of the Austrian care system, which aims to provide people with care needs with the necessary support and financial assistance.
The classification is based on seven levels that reflect the degree of need for care. They are primarily based on the amount of time required for care and nursing. At care level 1, there is only a low need for care, while care level 7 is characterized by a very high need for care.
The classification
For the classification of dementia patients, there are certain requirements and special criteria, since not only the physical need for care, but also the Care and supervision needs must be taken into account. Dementia patients like Alois are therefore often given a higher classification in order to meet their increased care needs.
The classification is based on a medical expert opinion in which the state of health and the need for care of the person concerned are assessed in detail. In addition, a home visit is usually carried out to assess the living situation and the actual care requirements on site.
This thorough assessment is intended to ensure that the care level corresponds to the real needs of the person in need of care.
This procedure, as with Alois and Anna, takes place in several steps:
1. Application:
First, Anna had to submit an application for care allowance for Alois to the relevant body. This can be done either with the Pension Insurance Institution, the Social Insurance Institution for Farmers, the Insurance Institution for Public Employees, Railways and Mining or the General Accident Insurance Institution, depending on the insurance of the person in need of care. Anna has submitted the application in writing, but you can also submit it by telephone or online.
2. Submission of necessary documents:
Along with the application, Anna submitted all of her grandpa's relevant medical documents. This includes doctor's reports, hospital discharge letters and other documents that prove Alois' state of health and need for care.
3. Appointment for the home visit:
After submitting the application, Anna was able to make an appointment for the home visit. At this appointment, a medical expert came to Alois in his familiar surroundings to carry out a detailed assessment on site. However, this task can also be carried out by a Nurse can be adopted.
4. Implementation of the home visit:
During the home visit, Alois' state of health was assessed and his care needs were determined. Both physical and mental or psychological abilities are assessed. In the case of dementia patients, special attention is also paid to care and supervision needs.
5. Preparation of the expert opinion:
After the home visit, the medical expert drew up an expert opinion in which the care requirements and the recommended care level were recorded. This report was then forwarded to the relevant authority.
6. Decision and notification:
Based on the expert opinion, a decision was then made about the care level. Anna and Alois received a decision containing the assigned care level and the amount of care allowance.
1. application
Anna has submitted an application for care allowance for Alois to the relevant office. This can be done in writing, by telephone or online.
2. submission of necessary documents
Along with the application, Anna submitted relevant medical documents, such as medical reports and discharge letters, to prove the need for care.
3. making an appointment for the home visit
After submitting the application, an appointment could be made for a home visit by a medical expert or a care professional
.4. Implementation of the home visit
During the home visit, Alois' physical and mental abilities were assessed and his care needs were determined, particularly in the case of dementia
.5. Preparation of the expert opinion
After the home visit, an expert opinion was drawn up, stating the level of care required and the recommended level of care, which was forwarded to the responsible body
.6. Decision and notification
Based on the assessment, Anna and Alois received a decision on the care level and the amount of care allowance
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Everything went well for Anna and Alois and they both agreed to the care level. However, this can be problematic under certain circumstances, especially when it comes to someone with dementia. Those affected are often unaware of their difficulties or don't want to admit them to themselves.
If the expert or caregiver only speaks to the person with dementia If the expert or carer only speaks to the person with dementia, the actual situation is not recognized. It is therefore important that the relatives are also interviewed.
Unfortunately, this is not a matter of course and some experts or caregivers do not provide any or too much information. nursing staff do not issue a care level or issue one that is too low. If this is the case for you, you can lodge an objection within a certain period of time. The need for care will then be reviewed again.
The classification of care levels for dementia
In Austria, the classification of care levels for people with dementia is based on the specific care and nursing needs caused by the different stages of the disease. Dementia is divided into three stages:
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Mild dementia:
- Memory problems and orientation difficulties
- Minor support in everyday life
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Classification in care level 1 or 2
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Moderate dementia:
- Increasing difficulty with daily activities
- Need for more extensive assistance with personal care, nutrition and mobility
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Classification in the intermediate care levels (3 to 5)
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Severe dementia:
- Continuous supervision and intensive care required
- Ensuring the safety and well-being of those affected
- Classification into the higher care levels (6 or 7)
This classification takes into account both the physical care requirements and the increased need for care and supervision, which is particularly high for dementia patients. The aim is to ensure that those affected receive appropriate support.
Alois was given care level 2 on his first visit because he had increasing problems with his memory but was physically fit. Anna registered with noracares at this time and met Lucille there. She visited Alois several times a week and helped him with everyday tasks such as shopping.
When he began to have more and more problems with everyday tasks after a few years, his care level was increased. This increase in Care allowance made it possible for Anna to hire Lucille as a full-time caregiver.
Care level benefits for dementia in Austria
The benefits of the care levels in Austria are designed to cover individual care and support needs. The amount of the care allowance varies depending on the care level and is used to finance additional care-related expenses:
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Care levels 1 and 2:
- Services: Small care allowance to help with light daily tasks and to cover minor care costs
- Special features:Additional advice and support services to relieve the burden on family caregivers
- Difficulty allowances:As a rule, no special surcharges yet
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Care level 3 to 5:
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Services:Increased care allowance, which enables more intensive care and support
- Special features:Additional services such as day and night care to relieve the burden on family caregivers and provide better care for dementia patients
- Disability supplements: Possible surcharges in the case of greatly increased care needs and special difficulties due to dementia
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Care level 6 and 7:
- Services: Very high care allowance to cover the extensive care costs associated with severe dementia and round-the-clock care
- Special features: Entitlement to comprehensive care and support services, including specialized care facilities for dementia patients
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Dementia supplements:Higher surcharges due to the extremely high care and support requirements caused by advanced dementia
Anna was able to organize a caregiver to check on him regularly thanks to the care levels in Austria for dementia. In addition, she has given him a "Meals on Wheels" so that he receives a full meal at least once a day.
So she was reassured and no longer had to worry about her grandpa. As the need for care increased over time, Anna also increased the hours of care.
What are the care levels in Austria?
In Austria, there are 7 care levels, depending on the level of care required. The need for care with dementia often increases the care level due to the additional care required.
The care levels in Austria are based on the Bundespflegegeldgesetz (BPGG), which regulates the legal basis for the care allowance. This classification takes into account both the need for care and the habitual residence in Austria as a prerequisite for receiving care allowance. The care levels range from level 1 (more than 65 hours of care per month) to level 7 (more than 180 hours).
Prerequisites for the care allowance
In order to receive care allowance, the following requirements must be met:
- Permanent need for care due to a physical, mental or psychological impairment that is expected to last at least six months.
- Usual residence in Austria or under certain conditions in the EEA area.
- The need for care must be more than 65 hours per month.
Dementia and care allowance
For Dementia is granted a severity supplement of 45 additional hours from care level 1. This regulation is part of the Classification Ordinance, which defines the care requirements. Relatives can also Claiming caregiver leave to make maintenance easier.
Frequently asked questions about care in Austria (FAQ)
Tips for caring for people with dementia
Application process for care allowance
1- Apply: In writing, by telephone or online.
The application must be submitted to the competent pension insurance institution.
- 2- Submit documents: Enclose medical documents.
- 3- Schedule a home visit: Health and Care Situation check on site
A doctor or qualified health and nursing professional will visit you at home to assess your care needs.
- 4- Decision on care level: Based on the expert opinion.
- Based on the expert opinion, the care level is determined and payment begins in the following month.
More options: Nursing homes in Austria
For people whose care needs can no longer be met at home, nursing homes in Austria are an alternative. These facilities offer comprehensive care and support that is specially adapted to the needs of people with dementia.
Application for care allowance
Care allowance is granted on application. For this purpose, the need for care is assessed by a doctor or a care professional. Use the form at oesterreich.gv.at or contact the pension insurance provider.
Replacement Care and Financial Assistance
If family carers need a break, they can take advantage of substitute care. The costs for this care are covered depending on the level of care, with up to an additional €300 per year for dementia.
Useful resources
For detailed information on the application process and advice, visit pflege.gv.at or sozialministerium.at. These platforms offer comprehensive information on care in Austria.
Special rules for dementia patients
There are special regulations for dementia patients in Austria. One important provision concerns the minimum classifications: Dementia patients are often classified in a higher care level than those in need of physical care, as the need for care and supervision is significantly higher as dementia progresses.
For example, Alois is still very physically fit, but is finding it increasingly difficult to cope with everyday life on his own due to his dementia.
In addition to the regular care allowance, there are additional funding options for dementia patients, such as support for a 24-hour care. In addition, those affected and their relatives can benefit from special respite services, such as day and night care facilities and temporary short-term care, which relieve the burden on carers.
Tips for relatives
Relatives, those who care for dementia patients face particular challenges in everyday life. Anna didn't know how to support Alois at first either. However, she has since researched the topic and would like to give you some tips on how she could make her grandpa s everyday life easier:
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Structured daily routine:
A structured daily routine helps most sufferers. You can start by ordering meals on wheels so that the person with dementia always gets a full meal at the same time. Home helpers or other caregivers who regularly visit the person with dementia can also help.
Writing down a daily schedule can also help. However, make sure that the plan cannot be misplaced somewhere and forgotten
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Clear and simple communication:
For dementia patients, clear and simple communication very important. Try to explain things as easily as possible and avoid confusing narratives. Many affected people suffer from memory loss and become sad or aggressive when they are made aware of a "mistake".
In some cases, it is therefore easier to confirm a false memory, for example (as long as there are no consequences for leaving the person concerned in the wrong belief). Here too, the correct classification into the care levels in Austria for dementia plays a role in ensuring the right support.
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Patience and understanding:
Show understanding for the difficulties of the person with dementia and be patient with them. Even if it can be very nerve-wracking, don't hold it against the person affected if they forget a lot, because they are not doing it on purpose.
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Involve actively:
Involve the person with dementia actively in everyday activities in order to maintain his or her independence for as long as possible. The less those affected do, the more lonely they become and the faster the disease progresses. This is why mental and physical activity (as much as possible) is so important for them.
In addition, Anna advises really making use of support options and not thinking you have to deal with the situation alone. Counseling centers and self-help groups can offer emotional support and opportunities for exchange. But caregiver support is also important.
noracares will help you find a suitable caregiver. There, the person concerned can also get to know the carer in advance and have a say in who they can accept help from.
Caring for dementia patients is a complex task that usually involves additional work. The care levels for dementia in Austria are designed to provide people like Alois with the necessary support to meet their specific needs.
For this, the correct application, a comprehensive assessment and, above all, the correct classification are crucial. After all, appropriate support is only possible with the correct classification.
If you or someone close to you is affected by dementia, don't hesitate to take advantage of the resources and support available. Even if it takes effort, you will find that with the support of a caregiver or support person, many things become easier.
