The changing age structure in Austria will mean that the issue of caring for aging parents will become increasingly important in the coming years. This change should by no means be viewed solely from the perspective of the labor or housing markets. In particular, the question of who should provide care for the elderly—or how pension security can function at all—is very important. The term “over-aging” does not yet clearly illustrate the problem, but if we rephrase it as “under-youthing,” it becomes easier to visualize what is lacking.
A care issue for many people
Not only declining birth rates but also changes in people’s lifestyles are contributing factors to the care crisis we’re already facing today—a problem that, incidentally, also exists in Germany. The traditional family structures that were still common throughout the country at the beginning of the last century are disappearing more and more, and care for elderly parents is no longer provided by sons or daughters but by professional caregivers. Today’s professional demands are so high that there is hardly any time left for family. Long workdays or distant workplaces are also an issue, compounded by the increasing loss of jobs. Care and support for family members can also be organized as follows:
- As needed, by household staff only
- With the help of relatives and acquaintances
- With privately hired caregivers
The issue of caregivers from neighboring countries is also becoming increasingly prominent. The website www.diadema-pflege.de not only clearly explains the process of making contact but also provides background information on how and why the company was founded. In any case, the demand for foreign caregivers to care for parents is growing, and at the same time, the legal framework for employing caregivers from abroad has made the process easier.
Quickly Arrange Care for Aging Parents
Sometimes it’s not easy for family members to respond when their parents suddenly need care. If the local home care service is not an option—whether for financial or other reasons—it’s important to act thoughtfully. Caregivers from abroad are placed through this portal; they come to the seniors’ homes and provide them with loving, round-the-clock care. No healthcare system offers better care, as care in such settings is typically provided within tightly scheduled time frames. If seniors do not wish to move into a nursing home, care provided by caregivers from Poland should be considered. A cost estimate on the website of the agency mentioned above also shows that this type of care is more affordable than a stay in a nursing home. When receiving care, parents can remain in their own homes—they’re used to it and will feel safe there.
