Staffing levels in home care are becoming increasingly scarce. A catastrophe looms. Because more and more people need help now.
There are numerous nursing organizations. Everyone faces the same problems: they can’t find staff. But the dilemma is largely self-made. One person who is also tackling these problems is Malteser Care boss Helmut Lutz: ‘The gap between the people who need care and the people who can do so is widening every day.’ But not only stationary care, but also mobile care is affected. This is necessary because there are not that many childcare places. People therefore rely on support within their own four walls.
Long waiting times
But the waiting list for such helpers is long, too long for some. Lutz: ‘We are at the beginning of a nursing catastrophe behind closed doors.’ By 2030, 100,000 new nurses will be needed. But how can that work? Lutz: “It is certainly not the favorite topic at the moment, but we must open ourselves up to third countries. We need immigration from third countries. There are excellently educated people in Serbia and Bosnia. But we do not allow them to enter the labor market.” And Lutz does not hesitate in his criticism of international “promotional trips”: “We don’t even have to fly halfway around the world. We have potential employees on our doorstep.”
Break through obstacles
The official marathon in particular is intimidating for many and can hardly be managed without help. For example, Marija Nikolic was guided on her journey and had to overcome numerous obstacles along the way. Ms. Nikolic has already obtained a bachelor’s degree in Serbia. Despite recognition in Austria, it took fourteen months before the young, highly educated woman was allowed to work in Vienna. During a visit, the “Crown” was able to ask why she did this to herself. Nikolic: “As a child I took care of my grandparents and saw that I enjoyed it and that I enjoyed doing it. I can now help others in Vienna.”
The work makes you feel good
How long is another question. Because the red-white-red card will soon be extended. Lutz: “I hope everything goes smoothly. Mrs. Nikolic has now been able to help hundreds of people here.” Similar problems occur in 24-hour care. Over the past two years, there has been a net outflow of 7,000 nursing staff. The majority of this would have gone to significantly financially stronger countries. Lutz does not believe that there is a lack of interest in the profession. “There are few industries where you go home after work with such a good feeling,” says Lutz.
Source: Krone
I’m Ben Stock, a journalist and author at Today Times Live. I specialize in economic news and have been working in the news industry for over five years. My experience spans from local journalism to international business reporting. In my career I’ve had the opportunity to interview some of the world’s leading economists and financial experts, giving me an insight into global trends that is unique among journalists.
