Support options for at home

Whether medical aids, assistive devices, emergency call systems or changes to your living space: there are many aids for everyday life to enable you to live in your own four walls 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 aids that can make your everyday life easier. Therapeutic aids include, for example, bandages, dressing material and items for diabetics. Auxiliary aids include incontinence products, hearing aids, glasses, shoe insoles, prostheses, inhalation devices, rollators, wheelchairs, medical chairs, hospital beds and much more.

If you have a doctor's prescription, your health insurance will cover the costs or a proportion of the costs. In the case of a loaned product, the loan fee will be covered. For some items, prior approval must be obtained from the health insurance company.

As a rule, 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 part of the costs. You can find more information on the website of the health portal and on the respective Website of your health insurance:

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 center 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

Apartment adaptation

Sometimes it turns out that there are obstacles within your own four walls. 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 barrier-free. Steps and carpets can also be made non-slip and suitable grab rails and handrails can be fitted. Getting in and out of bathtubs or shower trays can also be made easier with the right aids.

Some necessary home adaptations or aids are not covered by health insurance. You can apply for further financial support for these. Ask the district authority in your federal state about the following subsidies:

  • Housing subsidy
  • Disability assistance

You can also contact the Social Ministry Service or the Pension Insurance Institution. You can find the contact information under the following Link:

Counseling centers

Last update: July 25, 2025