Elderly care in Austria: costs, services & care allowance

Discover how individual senior care in Austria to make everyday life easier for your loved ones - be it through hourly help or around the clock. We'll show you how to find the right support and make use of financial assistance.

A caregiver talks to an elderly woman while holding her hands and offering support. The room is modern and cozy.

Life in old age brings with it new challenges - both for senior citizens and their families. Questions such as "What type of care is right for my loved one?" or "How do I find a trustworthy care service that is also affordable?" can quickly become overwhelming. At the same time, we want to give our loved ones the feeling that they are in good hands without losing their independence.

Senior care is more than just support in everyday life - it's a way of maintaining quality of life and making everyday life as pleasant as possible. In this article, you will find out everything you need to know: from the different types of care and costs to financial support options and tips on how to find the right care.

Whether you're caring for a loved one or looking for a solution for yourself, this guide will provide you with the information you need to make the best decision. Let's work together to find out how senior care can be tailored to your exact needs.

What is eldercare?

An elderly man wearing a straw hat with a blue ribbon carefully tends to red roses in a lush garden. The scene shows a quiet moment of gardening and reflects care, dedication and connection to nature.

When Mr. Mayer, an enthusiastic amateur gardener, could no longer find the strength to cut his beloved roses one morning, he felt that he needed support. Senior care is there for just such moments. It covers a wide range of services that help older people to cope with everyday life and maintain their independence.

From the Help in the household from personal care to accompanying someone to a doctor's appointment or on a walk - senior care is as individual as the people themselves. It can be provided on an hourly, daily or even round-the-clock basis, depending on needs and life situation. For Mr. Mayer, this meant having someone who not only supported him around the house, but also helped him with his gardening - so that he could continue to enjoy his roses.

Senior care is therefore more than just a service: it provides quality of life, security and the good feeling of not being alone.

Types of senior care: what options are there?

A collage illustration showing different aspects of elder care: an elderly person being assisted with shopping, seniors eating together in a warm and social environment, caregivers providing medical care, and elderly people participating in activities such as gardening and meal preparation. The image exudes warmth, compassion and the variety of senior care services available.

The needs of older people are as individual as life itself. This makes it all the more important to find the right type of senior care to make everyday life easier and maintain quality of life. Whether it's support in the home, assistance with activities or intensive care - the options are varied and offer the right solution for every situation. The most common types of senior care include:

Hourly care: Ideal for minor everyday support, such as doing the shopping, keeping company or helping with gardening - perfect for people like Mr. Mayer who are looking for selective relief.
Daycare: For older people who need help during the day, for example with personal hygiene, cooking or going for walks together.
Ambulant Care: Professional nursing staff come to the home to perform medical and nursing tasks such as administering medication.
Assisted living: A combination of independence and security, where seniors live in a supportive community.
Round-the-clock support: A 24-hour solution for comprehensive support, especially for those with increased care needs or when relatives cannot always be on site.

Of course, these options can also be combined. Mr. Mayer opted for hourly care. This way, he could be sure that not only his household would remain in order, but also that his roses would continue to bloom in full splendor. However, if he needs more support in the future, he can also consider day care or assisted living.

With individually tailored senior care, it is possible to enjoy life as independently as possible - whether in your own home, in nature or doing the little things that bring joy to the heart.

Home care vs. inpatient care: advantages and disadvantages

The decision between home care and residential care is often not an easy one. There are many factors that need to be taken into account - from personal preferences to specific care needs. Mr. Mayer was also faced with a choice: should he continue to stay in his home and receive care at home, or would a move to a care home be the better solution? He then sat down with his daughter and wrote down all the pros and cons:

Here is a clear summary of the advantages and disadvantages of home care and stationary care for Mr. Mayer:

Maintenance solutions table

Solutions for maintenance

Criterion	Home care	Inpatient care
Familiarity of the surroundings	The familiar surroundings of your own home are retained	Moving and loss of familiar surroundings including garden
Self-determination	High level of self-determination, everyday life can be organized individually	Lower self-determination, fixed structures
Individualized care	Customized care according to personal needs	Professional support, but less flexible
Flexibility	Flexible depending on requirements (hourly, daily, around the clock)	Less flexible, fixed structure and schedules
Costs	Can be expensive, especially with round-the-clock care	Often cheaper with round-the-clock care by the facility
Social interaction	Less social contact, unless through family and friends	Many social activities and interaction with other residents
Medical care	Difficult to implement	Specialist staff and structural options available
Emotional burden	Less emotional stress as familiar environment remains	Higher emotional strain due to relocation and settling in

Whether home care or residential care - each option has its own advantages and disadvantages. For Mr. Mayer, home care could be an ideal solution, allowing him to continue working in his beloved garden and organizing his daily life as he sees fit while receiving the support he needs. The decision ultimately depends on personal needs, financial situation and desired quality of life.

Costs of senior care in Austria: What you should know

The Costs of senior care in Austria play an important role in choosing the right support. But don't worry - the support can be designed flexibly so that it meets both individual needs and the available budget.

Prices vary depending on the type of care, scope of services and region. Hourly care is often cheaper and can be planned flexibly. For round-the-clock care, which includes comprehensive care and support, the costs are higher, but offer maximum security and comfort.

For orientation:

Types of care and costs

Type of care	Costs
Care by the hour	From approx. 15 - 25 euros per hour
Day care	Depending on the scope of services, from approx. 60 - 120 euros per day
24-hour care	Approx. 2,000 - 3,000 euros per month, depending on the intensity of care and qualifications of the caregiver

At the end of the day, it's not just about numbers, it's about giving older people the support they deserve - whether that's through hourly help or comprehensive care. Good planning ensures that care is not only affordable, but also optimally tailored to individual needs.

Financial support for elderly care: How do I get care allowance in Austria?

An elderly couple is sitting at a table looking at their wallets and financial documents. The man looks concentrated, while the woman appears worried. The scene shows a moment of financial planning or budgeting in a simple and intimate setting.

The nursing in Austria provides valuable financial assistance to help cover the cost of senior care. It helps people like Mr. Mayer and their families to ease the financial burden while ensuring quality care. But how exactly does the application work and what steps are necessary to receive the care allowance?

The care allowance is divided into different levels according to the level of care required. The amount of financial support depends on how much a person's independence is restricted and how much support they need in everyday life. It can be used both for care at home and for care facilities.

Applying for care allowance - step by step

In order to receive care allowance, you must first submit a corresponding application. You can see what steps are necessary for this using Mr. Mayer's example:

Apply: The Application for care allowance must be submitted to the competent district administrative authority or the Social Ministry Service. Mr. Mayer has submitted it in paper form. However, the application can also be submitted online.
Wait for expert opinion: After the application was submitted, an expert from the authority examined Mr. Mayer's situation and prepared an expert opinion. This included a precise assessment of his care needs.
Received care allowance notice: As soon as the authority had processed the application, a decision was issued on the amount of the care allowance. Depending on the care needs determined, Mr. Mayer received the corresponding care allowance level and the corresponding care allowance.
Adjust care allowance: If your care needs change, you can apply for an adjustment to your care allowance. This is particularly important if Mr. Mayer's state of health deteriorates or improves.

How to choose the right senior care

Choosing the right senior care can be a challenging decision. After all, it's about finding support that not only meets practical needs, but also enhances well-being and quality of life. Mr. Mayer, who despite his hobby as an enthusiastic gardener is slowly realizing that he lacks the strength to look after his garden on his own, is looking for the right care. But how do you find the perfect support for your own needs?

Assess your care needs accurately

Before you make a decision, it's important to understand exactly what your care needs are. Mr. Mayer has recognized his limitations - he needs support in the household and with his gardening. The care should cover exactly these needs and help to make everyday life easier. Consider whether you would like help with household chores, personal care or simply company.

Flexibility of care

The care must fit your life. Whether by-the-hour, daily or around the clock - choose a model based on your personal needs. Just like Mr. Mayer, who initially looked for hourly support so that he didn't have to overwork himself in the garden. Think about whether you only need occasional help or more comprehensive care.

The experience and qualifications of the caregiver

Make sure that the caregiver has the necessary qualifications and experience. Especially in senior care, it is important that the person has both basic medical knowledge and social skills.It was crucial for Mr. Mayer to find someone who could help him with the gardening work and also listen to his stories.

Trust and sympathy

The chemistry has to be right - after all, the caregiver will be an important part of life. Mr. Mayer felt that his caregiver saw their hours together not just as a "job", but that she could also listen to him when he talked about his roses or told her about his eventful life and that she showed understanding for his wishes. Make sure that you feel comfortable with the caregiver and can build trust.

Check costs and financing options

A close-up of a person holding and reviewing a document with financial data and bar charts. The person points to a specific section with a pen, indicating an analysis or comparison. The scene is set at a desk with a keyboard, clipboard and other papers in the background, representing a professional financial planning or budgeting process.

The choice of the right form of childcare is often also a question of financial resilience. Just like Mr Mayer, who opted for a part-time employee to optimize costs, you should also carefully consider which childcare model is financially viable for you.

For example, hourly care from a qualified carer from around €15 to €25 per hour could be a good option for someone who only needs occasional support. If the Support more intensive, such as day care, the costs could be around 60 to 120 euros per day.

Consider not only the pure care costs, but also possible subsidies and financial support. Care allowance or state subsidies can be an important help here. Depending on the care level, a relative in need of care in Austria receives a monthly care allowance that can cover part of the care costs.

It's worth comparing different options, such as home care versus placement in a care facility, to find out which solution best suits both your needs and your budget. A detailed cost estimator or comparison calculator can help you make the best choice.

The matching Find a nurse

Choosing the right care is an important decision that will have a significant impact on your everyday life and lifestyle. Approach the choice wisely to find the support that will give you back a sense of security and quality of life.

Mr. Mayer found his ideal caregiver at noracares. And it was very uncomplicated: Together with his daughter, he specified his wishes, requirements and the care focus (e.g. home help or intensive care) and was directly suggested suitable caregivers. And YOU can do the same: get started right away and find your suitable carer today!

Organize a personal meeting

An on-site meeting or a video call can ensure that the chemistry between the caregiver and the person in need of care is right - as was the case with Mr. Mayer before he decided on his care. If it's a good fit for both sides, there's nothing standing in the way of working together!

With these steps, you too can find the right support that meets your individual needs and makes your everyday life easier.

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 healthcare sector.

The right senior care is more than just a pragmatic solution - it means quality of life, security and human closeness. Whether for Mr. Mayer, who can continue to enjoy his beloved garden, or for other individual needs: Sensitively chosen care not only brings practical support, but also a feeling of being accepted.

With well thought-out planning, financial assistance such as care allowance and suitable care services, older people can shape their everyday lives in a self-determined and fulfilling way - safe in the knowledge that they are in the best hands.

Need help choosing the right care? Register with noracares today and find the ideal caregiver for you quickly, easily and simply today!

Nora's Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

noracares FAQs

What is senior care?
Senior care includes assistance in everyday life, from household support to personal care. It can also include accompaniment to medical appointments or leisure activities. The aim is to promote the independence of older people and enable them to live in familiar surroundings.

What are the costs for senior care?
The cost of senior care varies depending on the type and scope of services. Home care is often cheaper than inpatient care. For hourly care, you can expect to pay from 15 euros per hour. 24-hour care costs from 2,000 euros per month. Care allowance can help to cover the costs.

How do I apply for care allowance?
Care allowance is applied for at the district administrative authority or the Ministry of Social Affairs. Once the application has been submitted, an expert assesses the need for care. The decision will state the level of care and the monthly benefit. An adjustment is possible if the state of health changes.

What types of support are there?
Senior care comes in various forms: home care, hourly care, 24-hour care or residential care in homes. The choice depends on care needs, financial means and individual preferences. noracares provides support in finding the right type of care and organizes individual solutions.

How do I find the best caregiver?
You can find the best caregiver through a personal interview in which you check their qualifications and experience. Look for empathy and trust, as the chemistry between the caregiver and the person in need of care is crucial. References are also important to confirm suitability.

What is the difference between hourly care and 24-hour care?
Hourly care involves occasional support for specific tasks, e.g. help with shopping or personal hygiene. 24-hour care, on the other hand, provides round-the-clock care where a caregiver is constantly on site to provide comprehensive care and support.

Elderly care in Austria: costs, care options and financial support

What is eldercare?

Types of senior care: what options are there?