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 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 designed for older people who are still largely independent. If necessary, residents of these facilities receive support with basic care needs.
Nursing care homes, on the other hand, are intended for 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 at all times, while others specialise in specific areas such as dementia, persistent vegetative state, or palliative care.
The cost of nursing care home care varies greatly in Austria and depends on the federal province, the facilities available, and the level of care required. Whether the nursing care home is public, religious, or privately run also plays a role in the cost.
The cost of a nursing care home place in Austria depends on various factors: the federal province, the specific facility, the level of care required, and whether the home is public, religious, or privately run. Typically, costs consist of a basic fee plus a care surcharge, which is linked to the person’s care level or care allowance.
For more detailed information on costs, please contact the nursing care home of your choice.
Who covers the costs for a place in a nursing home?
The costs for a place in a nursing care home must generally be paid the resident. To cover these expenses, the person’s care allowance, pension, retirement benefits, and any other income are used.
However, a small portion of the income (20% of the pension and 10% of the care allowance) remains available to the person in need of care as a personal allowance.
If the income is not sufficient, social assistance covers the remaining amount.
Following the nationwide abolition of the recourse to care (“Pflegeregress”) 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 a demonstrated need for care. If you are classified as care allowance level 4 or higher, this indicates a particularly high level of care needs. In such cases, admission to a nursing care home is generally considered necessary and justified.
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 nursing care 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, vacancies may become available 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 disclose your financial situation.
Last updated: September 30, 2025
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