Nursing and care homes
When the need for nursing and care at home can no longer be covered by family caregivers and mobile services, moving to a nursing and care home is often a necessary and appropriate decision.
In everyday language, terms such as retirement home, nursing home, and nursing care home are used interchangeably. However, there are characteristics that distinguish these facilities from one another.
What is the difference between a retirement home and a nursing care home?
Retirement homes, also known as senior citizens' homes, are for older people who are still largely independent. If necessary, residents of these facilities receive basic care support.
Nursing care homes are available to people who require round-the-clock care and medical attention.
The services offered by nursing care homes in Austria vary greatly. Some nursing care homes have medical staff on duty around the clock. Other nursing care homes specialize in specific conditions. For example, there are nursing care homes that specialize in dementia, persistent vegetative state, or palliative care.
The cost of nursing care home care varies greatly in Austria and depends on the federal state, the facilities, and the level of care required. Whether the nursing care home is public, religious, or private also plays a role in the cost.
The costs for a place in a retirement and nursing care home usually consist of a basic amount and a care surcharge. The latter is based on the care level or the amount of care allowance.
For more detailed information on costs, please contact the nursing care home of your choice.
Who pays for a place in a nursing home?
The costs for a place in a nursing care home must be covered by the residents themselves. Care allowances, pensions, retirement benefits, and other income of the person in need of care are used to cover these costs.
However, a small portion of the income (20% of the pension and 10% of the care allowance) remains as pocket money for the person in need of care.
If the income is not sufficient, social assistance covers the remaining amount.
Following the nationwide abolition of care recourse in 2018, it is no longer permissible to access the private assets of the person in need of care or their relatives to cover care costs.
What are the requirements for admission to a nursing home?
The prerequisite for admission to a retirement and nursing care home is the need for care. If you are classified as care level 4 or higher, you have a special need for care and admission to a nursing care home is unquestionable.
People with care allowance level 3 who are no longer able to lead an independent life may also be entitled to a place in a nursing home.
How long do you have to wait for a place in a retirement home?
If you want to go to a specific nursing care home, the waiting time for a place can be several months. Vacant places in nursing care homes are allocated according to urgency. If you are not committed to a specific facility, you can get the next vacant place more quickly.
To apply for a place in a nursing care home, you usually have to submit a written application to the provider, prove your need for care, and explain your financial situation.
Last updated: July 23, 2025
Was this helpful?
Use the buttons below to leave feedback. You may provide additional details in a second step.