Austrian Government Initiates Measures for Higher Standards in 24-Hour Home Care

The Austrian government is moving forward with significant reforms aimed at enhancing the quality of 24-hour home care services for individuals requiring assistance. Health and Social Affairs Minister Korinna Schumann is spearheading efforts to establish consistent and binding quality standards across the country for agencies that arrange such care.

According to the Ministry of Health and Social Affairs, the topic will be brought to the agenda of the next session of the National Care Development Commission. This commission, established under the previous government, includes representatives from federal, state, municipal, and city levels, and serves as the primary forum for discussions related to the future of care services in Austria.

The principal objective of the proposed reforms is to introduce uniform quality criteria for agencies that recruit and place care workers within private households. These criteria are intended to ensure that individuals relying on 24-hour care receive consistent, high-quality support, regardless of their location or the agency involved.

Since the legal framework for home-based personal care was introduced in 2007, demand for such services has steadily increased. The government now seeks to further improve the conditions under which care is provided, focusing particularly on the professionalism and reliability of intermediary agencies.

Current plans involve an in-depth review of existing practices and the development of nationwide standards which would become mandatory for all agencies operating in Austria. This approach aims to address concerns over inconsistent care quality and varying operational standards, which have been the subject of ongoing debate among stakeholders in the sector.

In addition to quality standards, the government is also considering complementary measures outlined in the coalition agreement. These include initiatives to ensure that care workers possess adequate German language skills, a reassessment of employment opportunities for self-employed individuals from non-EU countries, and a potential increase in the income threshold for financial support related to 24-hour care services.

Recent calls from advocacy groups and industry representatives have highlighted the need for more rigorous oversight and greater transparency in the sector. Organizations such as ChronischKrank and representatives from care agencies have urged the government to implement stricter controls and clearer guidelines, particularly regarding voluntary quality certification programs such as the Austrian Quality Certificate for 24-Hour Care (ÖQZ-24).

Stakeholders point out that while some agencies voluntarily adhere to higher standards, there is currently no enforceable nationwide framework ensuring consistency. The proposed reforms are expected to introduce mechanisms for regular monitoring and enforcement of compliance, thereby raising the overall quality and reliability of home-based care services.

The Ministry of Health and Social Affairs has emphasized that improving quality of care is a fundamental component of Austria's broader strategy for senior and disability care. The new measures, once adopted, are anticipated to provide greater security for care recipients and their families, as well as more robust working conditions for care providers.

The reforms are scheduled to be discussed in detail at the next meeting of the Care Development Commission, with the goal of enacting updated regulations within the current legislative period. These steps are viewed as essential for adapting Austria's care system to meet evolving demographic needs and increasing expectations for service quality.