On the international day of nursing, Caritas Austria addresses an urgent appeal to politics and society: the challenges in the field of nursing and care are increasing rapidly – and not only because of demographic change, but also in view of increasing financial stress and scarce resources. A profound structural change towards an integrated supply system is now necessary that takes the realities of life seriously.
“Care must no longer be intended and controlled in individual areas. People need medical and nursing support in the course of their lives – often or at the same time or in succession. This is exactly why we have to network the existing structures more and to focus on the needs of those affected.”
according to Anna Parr, Secretary General of Caritas Austria.
Integrated supply as a basic principle
Care and health services are currently still side by side instead of together. There is a lack of coordinated transitions, digital networking and clear responsibility along the supply chain. Caritas calls for the targeted structure of an integrated overall system in which medical treatment, mobile care, care at home, day centers, short-term and inpatient care merges seamlessly. If a form of supply is no longer sufficient, the next suitable level must be activated without bureaucratic hurdles – coordinated, efficient and understandable for everyone involved.
Supply should follow the need – not the cost regulations
Current legal requirements and deductible regulations mean that people do not receive care offers where they need them. Anyone who can no longer afford mobile care or 24-hour care at home sometimes changes too early to an inpatient facility-which is not only human, but also causes higher public costs. An integrated system must enable people in need of care to be looked after as long as possible where it makes sense and correct for them – be it at home, partially inpatient or inpatient.
Support specialists – expand offers
A sustainable care system needs sufficiently motivated and well -trained specialists. Caritas therefore clearly advocates a continuation and expansion of the training offensive in nursing and care professions. Also important are attractive working conditions that people hold in these professions in the long term. At the same time, central offers have to be expanded and financed- especially mobile services, day centers as well as short-term and transitional care. In the daily structures in particular, there are weaknesses: the financing is insufficiently regulated, and rigid guidelines – for example on the event of default days, which are nevertheless fully offset – make access more difficult. Medical care is intended to come to humans, directed and coordinated by person-centered case management. The better digital connection of the care sector, for example by integrating into the ELGA, is also urgently necessary to use information efficiently and improve the supply.
A clear appeal to politics
“The focus is currently on the health sector – but if we neglect long -term care, we will control sighted eye for a supply crisis,” warns Parr. If you want to maintain the promise that people in Austria will also be well maintained and looked after in 2030 or 2040, you have to invest now – even in times of budget printing. An integrated supply system is not a luxury, but a fundamental prerequisite for nursing in the future to remain human, efficient and affordable, ”said Parr.
The nationwide care and care strategy announced in the government program could be a first step in this direction- if it follows concrete measures and a real political will for implementation.