Vacations with people in need of care in Austria: your guide to unforgettable moments
Finally share carefree moments again: How you as Caregiver enjoying outings together! Imagine being able to take a deep breath with your patient and recharge your batteries - without worrying about missing out on familiar surroundings or care. For many professional carers and caring families, the thought of an outing together, fresh air and new impressions often sounds like an additional challenge. But this is exactly where we want to encourage you:
A successful excursion WITH your patient - be it a short trip to the countryside, a visit to a museum or even a short vacation - is possible and can be a source of deep joy for everyone involved! In Austria and throughout the EU, there are special grants, barrier-free offers and numerous practical aids that can support you as a caregiver in your valuable work.
We know from experience: Many people want moments like this, but feel left alone when it comes to planning or are afraid of overlooking important details. That's why you'll find all the answers in this guide - clear, understandable and to the point - from the best grants and subsidies to step-by-step instructions for submitting applications, packing lists and real practical tips for on the go.
Let's plan these unforgettable moments together: So that your next trip is not only possible, but also relaxed and safe - for you and your patient:in.
A change of scenery is more than just a break from everyday life. For people with care needs, excursions and nature experiences can be a real source of quality of life. They boost well-being, promote mental and physical activity and create valuable memories.
Studies show that regular experiences in nature can reduce the risk of depression in seniors and have a positive impact on cognitive function. [Zhu, Zhou, & Zhang, 2022, Effects of Leisure Activities on the Cognitive Ability of Older Adults: A Latent Variable Growth Model Analysis, Frontiers in Psychology]. In addition, any exercise in the fresh air strengthens your muscles and improves your sleep, which contributes significantly to your general well-being.
Imagine how the smile on your patient's face will blossom when you discover the beauty of Austria or other EU countries together! Mrs. Maier, 87 and in a wheelchair, recently told us how a trip to the "eternal ice" gave her back the feeling of freedom she had missed for so long. Moments like that are priceless and give you new energy for everyday care work.
Good preparation is the key to a relaxed trip. As a caregiver, you hold the reins here and can make a significant contribution to its success.
noracares understands the challenges of planning and has your back. As part of the valuable resources you'll find in our comprehensive articles, we provide you with helpful tools for your planning:
- Clarifying wishes and fears: Talk to your patient about his/her wishes and possible concerns.
- Clarify medical needs: Discuss the trip with the doctor treating you. Clarify medication plans for the trip and any emergency scenarios.
- Communication with the care team: Inform all caregivers involved about the planned outing well in advance. Create a list of participants for the duty room and coordinate the exact planning to ensure that everything runs smoothly.
- Plan for flexibility:Not everything always goes according to plan. Have alternatives ready for bad weather or unforeseen events.
The "noracares checklist for on the go - trip and care planner" is a detailed checklist that you can use to check any potential destination for accessibility and suitability. This comprehensive tool is available at the end of this article to best support your planning.
The Alpine Republic and the entire European Union offer a wealth of accessible excursion destinations that can also be enjoyed with people in need of care. From vibrant cities to impressive natural landscapes and cultural treasures - always consider the specific needs and wishes of your patient when making your choice.
Accessible travel by car: Experience the beauty of the landscape
Use the many scenic routes and panoramic roads in Austria, Germany and the EU. Many of them offer magnificent views from the car without having to get out - perfect for wheelchair users and people with limited mobility. Imagine your patient enjoying the passing landscape with shining eyes - be it an alpine high road, a romantic wine route or a coastal road with a sea view!
General information on accessibility on the road
Always check the availability of: before your trip
- Accessible toilets: Along the planned route and at the destination.
- Wheelchair-accessible restaurants and bistros: Make sure there is level access, sufficient space and suitable tables. Many official tourism portals or specialized accessibility apps offer detailed information here.
- Accessible parking spaces:In sufficient number and proximity to the destination.
Nature experiences on foot / with walking aid: Feel nature up close
Many nature parks, gardens and also some hiking trails in Austria, Germany and the EU are now designed to be accessible for people with walking aids or wheelchairs. They offer a rich sensory experience and the opportunity to feel nature up close:
- Sensory Gardens and Herb Show Gardens: These gardens are often specifically designed for the perception of smells, shapes and textures and offer easily navigable paths. Feel the scent of fresh herbs filling the air and the gentle buzzing of bees surrounding you.
- Accessible nature trails: Many regions invest in trails that have low gradients and are well surfaced, ideal for walking or wheelchair users. Discover the local flora and fauna together.
- Shore promenades and lakeside paths: Many lakes and rivers offer beautiful, flat promenades that invite you to take a stroll or wheelchair ride and provide a relaxing atmosphere.
Planning and executing such trips can be a lot. But you don't have to do it alone! A professional caregiver is not only a support in everyday life, but can be the key to a truly relaxing experience on such outings.
Benefits of a qualified caregiver on outings:
- Relief in planning and implementation: An experienced nurse knows exactly what your patient needs, knows how to deal with medication or mobility restrictions (e.g. transfer, Medication administration).
- Security and expertise: In emergency management and dealing with unforeseen challenges, you are not alone.
- Emotional support: Both for you and for your patient:in. You can concentrate fully on the good moments while someone with experience is by your side.
The thought of a trip to the seaside, salty air and the sound of the waves seemed an unattainable dream for Mrs Müller and her mother for a long time. Since her mother was in need of care, everyday life and the worry of looking after her had dominated her life. Organizing such a trip seemed almost impossible. But then Mrs Müller discovered the support of noracares.
With the loving guidance of Anna, an experienced noracares-caregiver, this dream finally became a reality. Anna not only took care of all the medication, helped with the transfer and looked after mom's well-being, but also gave her a feeling of security and safety. So they were able to start the long journey together - relaxed and full of anticipation.
And then there was this magical moment: when they arrived at the sea and smelled the salty air, felt the sun on their skin and saw the endless blue in front of them. "The way Mum's eyes lit up when she saw the sea was priceless," says Mrs. Müller with emotion. "Anna read every wish from our eyes and made sure that we could just let ourselves go and enjoy the time."
For a moment, everyday life was forgotten. "It was as if we had regained a piece of normality," she continues. "This trip gave us so much strength and joy - it was the best time we've had in a long time." Such unforgettable moments are possible when You have the right support on your side to really make such experiences possible.
To make your planning easier, we have summarized the most important grants and checklists for you:
Leave allowances for family caregivers - comparison of federal states (2025)
Wondering what financial support is available for vacations with people in need of care? Here is an overview of the subsidies in the Austrian federal states:
How to apply for the vacation allowance step by step:
Here you can find links to the application forms and further details for some regions of Austria:
Who will take care of you when you go on vacation or need time off? Many organizations offer substitute care/short-term care where your patient is professionally cared for at home during your time away.
noracares can help you find suitable solutions! Register with noracares and find the perfect caregiver to either accompany your patient on memorable trips or provide care at home while you are traveling or enjoying some time off. By creating your account with noracares, you can connect with a qualified caregiver who can look after your patient while you travel.
Accessible vacation offers & care hotels
Are you specifically looking for accessible accommodation that also offers on-site care? Pay attention to the following features and providers in your search:
Many specialized hotels and residences in Austria, Germany and the EU have adapted to the needs of people with care requirements. Search specifically for "care hotels", "barrier-free hotels" or "residences with care". These accommodations often offer:
- Wheelchair accessible rooms: Wide doors, level-access showers, wheelchair-accessible washbasins.
- On-site care services: From mobile care services that come to the home to permanently employed care staff.
- Customizable beds and tools: The option of borrowing special care beds, commode chairs or wheelchairs.
- Accessibility: Lifts, ramps and level paths within the facility.
- Leisure programs:Adapted activities suitable for people with different mobility impairments.
Find out more on the providers' websites or from specialist travel agencies for accessible travel. Read reviews and testimonials from other travelers to find the right accommodation for you and your patient:in.
Caring also needs rest - your priceless contribution! A vacation with people in need of care in Austria doesn't have to remain an unattainable wish. Thanks to targeted funding, practical support and specialized vacation offers, you can give your patient and yourself a well-deserved break - without fear or a guilty conscience. You don't have to go this route alone: There are numerous ways to get advice, guidance and financial support.
If you use the steps described in this guide, you will benefit from the best funding, organize your trip more relaxed and know that your patient:is in good hands. Use our checklists, tips and available tools to avoid making mistakes and missing out on claims.
We know how challenging your everyday life can be - and we want to encourage you: You deserve some time off too. You take care of yourself day after day, now let the system take care of you.
Stay tuned, find out about new grants regularly and don't hesitate to seek professional advice. Do you need help creating an account or would you like to share your experience? Feel free to contact us - together we will find the best solution for you and your patients.
- 24-hour care: A form of home care in which a caregiver is employed in the household Your patient:lives in and is available around the clock (with agreed rest periods).
- Relatives bonus:An annual financial support for family caregivers whose care recipient has reached a certain care level (e.g. from level 4).e.g. from level 4).
- Anticipatory grief: The mourning of a loss that has not yet fully occurred, such as the loss of independence.For example, the loss of independence or cognitive abilities of a loved one. You allow you to grieve for the person she once was.
- Accessibility: The property of environments, products or services to be accessible and usable by all people, regardless of their physical or cognitive abilities.
- Care folder:A comprehensive folder with all the important documents and information about a person's care needs (medication plans, diagnoses, habits, contacts, etc.).). It is your"external brain" in care.
- Dementia: A progressive disease of the brain that leads to an impairment of cognitive abilities (memory, orientation, thinking) and has a major impact on everyday life.
- Replacement care (respite care):A service in which the costs for a professional caregiver who stands in for the caregiver for a certain period of time, e.g. if the main caregiver is unable to work.e.g. when the main caregiver is on vacation or ill.
- FSW (Fonds Soziales Wien): An organization in Vienna that offers various social services and support, including offers to relieve the burden on family caregivers.
- Care and support cheque: A financial support from the province of Lower Austria for family caregivers as recognition and relief.
- Caregiver exemption:A legal entitlement for employees to be released from work for a certain period of time to care for a close relative.
- nursing: A graduated, state cash benefit in Austria that is paid monthly to people in need of care to help them cover their care costs.
- Nursing Leave/Caregiver Leave: A longer-term opportunity for employees to reduce or completely suspend their working hours in order to care for a relative, often with financial support.
- Care hotel: An accommodation that is specially designed to meet the needs of people in need of care and their companions and often also offers nursing services on site.
- Statistics Austria: The official statistical office of Austria, which collects reliable data on various areas of society, including care.
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Holiday promotion for family caregivers:Special support programmes of the federal provinces in Austria that provide financial grants for respite vacations for family caregivers, often when the person in need of care travels with them or substitute care is organized.
