Future of care in the Salzkammergut: alarming numbers and solutions!

Future of care in the Salzkammergut: alarming numbers and solutions!

Gmunden, Österreich - The challenges of the demographic changes in the Gmunden district are high on the political agenda. At the recently organized social hall of the OÖVP Salzkammergut in Gmunden, initiated by the mayor and member of the state parliament Rudolf Raffelsberger, the course was set for future -oriented care. By 2040, every fourth person in the district will be over 65 years old, which increases the pressure on the existing care system. The increase in high alttry, i.e. people over 80 years old, is particularly worrying. According to forecasts, this number could increase by impressive 67 %, which grows the need for care in the region rapidly. Meinbezkund reports that the probability of care from the age of 80 is around 75 %.

A central topic of the exam was the development of new, innovative forms of care. State Councilor Christian Dörfel emphasized that Upper Austria has a high proportion of inpatient care in the federal state comparison. Without countermeasures, 70 new homes would be necessary by 2040, which in the face of an annual volume of 127.7 million euros seems inevitable for the Gmunden Social Welfare Association. Of these, 38 million euros are only on the homes, with the majority being used for personnel. The social challenges grow and more creative solutions are required.

future -proof care concepts

Demographic development does not only affect the Gmunden district. Overall, an increase in people from 60 years from 62,650 in 2023 to 92,100 to 2040 is predicted, which means an increase of 47 %. The district of Urfahr-Umgeben in particular will be faced with an increase of around 70 %. Therefore, the state of Upper Austria founded Pflege- und Seberungsmanagement GmbH in order to take new ways in nursing management. As managing director, Anna Ferihumer will take responsibility to create relief for the 15 social welfare associations and recruit personnel. It is urgently needed to increase the attractiveness of the nursing professions, because around 3,500 new employees in nursing homes will be needed. Die Oberösterreichin emphasizes that innovative day care for day Seniors are already being discussed to meet the new requirements.

These developments are not only important for those in need of care. They also have an impact on society as a whole, since the demographic change affects many facets of life. The Austrian care system is tax -financed and in 2022 about 1.7 % of the gross domestic product (GDP) flowed into long -term care. According to the Austrian Institute for Economic Research (WIFO), an increase in expenditure on long -term care will be expected in the future. We should not lose sight of that the well -being of people with care needs is in the foreground, while at the same time the financial aspects have to be viewed. Austria is in the international comparison of the nursing expenses, which underlines the urgency of the reforms. Diakonie shows the high importance of these questions.

The results of the social exam are incorporated into a working paper that focuses on political steps to improve care in the region. The aim of the OÖVP Salzkammergut is to make aging solidarity, sustainable and future -proof. A good knack for these topics is required, since in the near future you will be confronted with significantly increasing demands and at the same time falling availability of specialists.