Care & Nursing

Editorial by Caritas President Michael Landau

Caritas accompanies aged and ill people when they can no longer manage on their own.

We offer mobile nursing and care services at home, in nursing homes, in assisted living facilities, and - for those with incurable diseases - through mobile hospice services. Our primary objective is to support the self-determination of our clients and maintain their quality of life.

Every day, our colleagues put their hearts and souls into their work to provide care that enhances the quality of life. However, 2022 has also proven to be a challenging year for our colleagues. Above all, the shortage of manpower has taken its toll on our nursing staff.

Facts & Figures

53 Senior Residences and Nursing Homes

in Austria

5,960 People

live in Senior Residences and Nursing Homes

2.8 Million Working Hours

in mobile care and nursing

6,046 Staff Members

in the Area of Care and Nursing

Nursing Care Reform 2022 Is Just the Beginning

As Caritas, we have a longstanding commitment to achieving a sustainable reform of the nursing care system. The nursing care reform act approved in 2022 includes crucial measures such as providing more support for family caregivers and launching a workforce offensive. However, it is important to note that many of these measures will only apply until 2024. This makes it clear to Caritas that the nursing care reform of 2022 is just the beginning of a process to ensure sustainable care in Austria in the future.

„Who cares“? – We do!

The 91-year-old Ilse Hofstetter feels particularly happy “when Caritas comes” to visit her. In this case, ‘Caritas’ refers to Jasmin Huskic, a specialized social care worker in elderly care from the St. Pölten Social Center. He has been taking care of Ms. Hofstetter since she suffered a stroke three years ago. "After the stroke, Mrs. Hofstetter had great difficulty moving. She couldn't do more than turn onto her side in bed," recounts Mr. Huskic. "Through regular exercises, mobilization techniques, and kinesthetic applications, Mrs. Hofstetter has made great progress in recent weeks." Mrs. Hofstetter proudly shows that she can now slowly rise from her wheelchair by holding onto the nursing bed and sit back down on her own using the movement techniques that he has taught her.

"Caritas St. Pölten has always allowed me a great deal of flexibility, making it easy to balance my work and school schedules. This is something I particularly appreciate and for which I am very grateful."

Jasmin Huskic,

specialized social care worker in elderly care

A Career That Brings Smiles

"I am constantly reminded of how I can help people and receive a lot of gratitude. Working with people is something I enjoy, and I love my job," shares Jasmin Huskic. The 36-year-old is originally from Bosnia and has been residing in Austria with his family since 2009. In Bosnia, he trained as a certified healthcare worker and nurse, but his qualifications were not recognized in Austria. Initially, he worked as a home care assistant. During his part-time education, he completed a two-year training program to become a specialized social care worker in elderly care, and now practices his profession with full dedication. "Caritas St. Pölten has always allowed me a great deal of flexibility, making it easy to balance my work and school schedules. This is something I particularly appreciate and for which I am very grateful," says Jasmin Huskic.