The increased prices do not stop at 24-hour care. The specialist group warns that many of those affected or their families can no longer afford care. It will also become more expensive for informal carers, for example due to higher travel costs. To compensate for this, the department is arguing for higher financing, among other things.
The financing is currently 550 euros per month. But at least 700 euros would be needed, said department chair Harald Janisch of the Vienna Chamber of Commerce. That support should be adjusted annually, added the chairman of the advocacy group for caring relatives, Birgit Meinhard-Schiebel. In addition, the level of care must be raised. This also benefits people who take care of their loved ones themselves. In Austria that is almost a million. Many of them have financial concerns and repeatedly turn to their own funds to pay for the cost of care.
staff shortage threatens
In addition to financial problems, anyone who provides 24-hour care to relatives also has to deal with a shortage of informal carers. “We can no longer afford to work for a fee that has not changed in 15 years,” said Bibiana Kudzinova from Slovakia, who represents the health care profession in the section. The wave of inflation hit, among others, many nursing staff from Slovakia, where prices had also risen. The increased travel costs are also a challenge.
Although Janisch praised the 24-hour care model that has been in existence since 2007, he points out that it mainly takes into account dependents. According to the department chair, these constitute only a very small part of the workforce. The representatives agreed that the cost of a nursing home would be much higher for the state treasury. An estimated 5,000 euros per month.
Politicians want more skills for certain professions
Vienna City Councilor for Health Peter Hacker (SPÖ) and County Social Councilor Wolfgang Hattmannsdorfer (ÖVP) of Upper Austria responded on Tuesday with a broadcast to the shortage of nursing staff. More skills are therefore needed for nurse assistants, such as independently instructing and supervising interns and home help. In the future, they should be able to administer eye drops and change associations. In addition, the two politicians argued for the full training bonus for specialized social professions and a training contribution of 600 euros per month for specialized social professions.
Holiday bans in hospitals?
The Medical Association warned politicians on Tuesday about holiday bans in Viennese hospitals. The situation due to the increased corona infections is predictable and should not be underestimated. “Doctors have families too, and they need each other to spend time together that is also relaxing for the psyche and to recharge the ‘mental battery’ for the inevitable future challenges in the health sector,” says a broadcast. The facts would be on the table, but nobody would do anything about it. Precautions must now be taken to ensure supplies to the population.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
