Support options at home

From medical aids, assistive devices, emergency call systems to changes to your living space: there are many types of everyday aids available to enable you to live in your own home for as long as possible. Various support options at home can reduce or even replace the support of caregivers.

Medical aids and appliances

There are many medical aids and appliances that can make your everyday life easier. Therapeutic aids include, for example, bandages, dressing material and products for diabetics. Auxiliary aids include incontinence products, hearing aids, glasses, shoe insoles, prostheses, inhalation devices, rollators, wheelchairs, medical chairs, hospital beds, etc.

If you have a doctor's prescription, your health insurance will cover the costs or part of the costs. For loaned products, the loan fee will be covered. Some items require prior approval from the health insurance provider.

Generally, you will have to pay part of the costs yourself. Children or people who are exempt from the prescription fee may be exempt from paying a contribution. You can find more information on the website of the health portal and on the respective website of your health insurance provider:

Call aids and emergency call systems

Call assistance systems are available so that help can be called quickly in the event of a fall or other emergency. An emergency call transmitter is worn like a wristwatch. This is connected to an emergency call centre and triggers an alarm when an emergency occurs.

Further information can be found under the following link: 

Overview of home emergency call systems - oesterreich.gv.at

Adapting the home 

Sometimes there may be obstacles and accessibility issues in your own home. Tripping hazards such as small steps or door thresholds not only make everyday life more difficult but also increase the risk of falls. There are many aids that can be used, for example, to raise beds and sofas or make balconies accessible. You can also make steps and carpets non-slip and install suitable grab rails and handrails. The right aids can also make getting in and out of bathtubs or shower trays easier.
Some necessary home adaptations or aids are not covered by health insurance. In this case, you can apply for further financial support. Ask the district authority in your federal province about the following subsidies:

•    Housing subsidy
•    Disability assistance

You can also contact the Sozialministeriumservice or the pension insurance Institution. You can find the contact information under the following link:

Counseling centres

Last update: September 30, 2025