Protest storm in Gmunden: Nursing home closure angered residents and relatives!

Protest storm in Gmunden: Nursing home closure angered residents and relatives!

Gmunden, Österreich - In Upper Austria, the planned closure of the nursing and care center Schloss Cumberland in Gmunden ensures a big cancel. 79 residents are affected and the emotions are high. This measure is viewed by many as a radical break with the usual living environment, since numerous people have been living there for decades. State Councilor Christian Dörfel (ÖVP) had to face a protest campaign loudly when he announced the decision that is due to the lack of economy of a comprehensive renovation of the historical building. According to Exxpress.at, the first movements in other old people's and nursing homes, including Pfaffing and Steyr, are planned for this year.

The information about the closure was not directly communicated to those affected. Many relatives only learned about the closure through media reports. Protest posters such as "You take our home and our family" testify to the despair and fear that the relatives feel. The frustration extends throughout the facility to the nursing staff, whose pendulum paths will be extended and some jobs are lost in Gmunden. The employees criticize the lack of communication with the residents and themselves. "The way this was handled is unacceptable," says an employee whose despair is noticeable.

a sad trend in care

The closure of Cumber Castle Castle does not only make local headlines. A look at the latest developments in the nursing industry shows that such measures are unfortunately part of everyday life. In 2025, numerous nursing homes were closed in the first few months, such as Pflegemarkt.com. In January, 7 nursing homes made 465 places, and the trend continues. It remains questionable whether and how this will affect the health care of the older generation.

These closures are not only a challenge for the residents, but also a sign of how deep the austerity measures are in the care sector. Hundreds of places remain unused, even if the need for care increases. Critics urgently call for transparent post -use plans and a sustainable development of care facilities. The Gmundner municipal council Philipp Wiatschka urges clear information to create more transparency in this critical situation.

a farewell with heartache

For many residents, some of whom have been living in Cumberland for 30 years, this closure will not only move, but a loss of their life story. The police were present in front of the center during the protests to ensure that everything runs peacefully. It remains to be seen how it goes on, but one thing is clear: the people affected earn respect and a transparent approach in this difficult time.