Vienna consulting initiative: Over 9,600 conversations in two years!

Vienna consulting initiative: Over 9,600 conversations in two years!

The customer service of the Vienna Social Fund (FSW) has already conducted over 9,600 consultations with its “In the Middle of Vienna” initiative since April 2022. This low-threshold form of advice offers Viennese access to information and support in important areas of life such as care and support, assistance for the disabled and assistance for the homeless. The consultation takes place without an appointment and takes place in easily accessible locations such as outdoor pools, shopping centers and health facilities. FSW managing director Susanne Winkler emphasizes the proactive approach to the Viennese in order to improve access to social services. The initiative is currently active at the Donaustadt Clinic until August 29th, with a further twelve appointments planned in highly frequented locations in Vienna.

According to Petra Gottwald, head of FSW customer service, the response to the offer has been consistently positive. In addition to telephone consultations, which can be reached daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on 01/24 5 24, case managers, including qualified health and nursing staff, support clients with individual specialist advice. Last year there were over 330,000 calls to the FSW, which supports around 145,500 customers in Vienna annually with around 170 partner organizations.

Legal framework for care

Since January 1, 2018, the legal situation in the area of ​​care and support has changed fundamentally: the care recourse, which until then represented a financial burden for many people in need of care, has been abolished. This means that the Vienna Social Fund and other social welfare providers can no longer access the assets of people in residential and care facilities. The deletion of liens recorded in the land register and the cessation of ongoing executions are further positive consequences of this reform. Nevertheless, the cost contribution from income and care allowance remains unaffected by the abolition of care recourse, and open cost contributions can still be claimed after the service has ended.

The responsibility for providing social services lies with the states, municipalities and independent welfare associations such as Volkshilfe and Caritas. These social services are designed to support people with care needs and disabilities and to improve their living situation. The application is submitted via the municipal office, the district administration or, in Vienna, via the social center or the Vienna Social Fund.

Offers and initiatives for people in need of care

Different forms of care are available as part of social services. Mobile and outpatient services offer support in a familiar environment, which also relieves the burden on relatives. There is also partial day care, short-term care in inpatient facilities and senior living communities as alternatives to conventional nursing homes. Ensuring the quality and demand of these services is a central concern of case and care management, which coordinates care and tailors it to the needs of clients.

In the area of ​​financial support, the Ministry of Social Affairs announced a care fund worth 1.1 billion euros for the years 2024 to 2028 in order to further improve the care of people in need of care. In addition, the Home Contract Act obliges the operators of old people's and nursing homes to better protect the residents. Data protection and compliance with human rights remain central points in federal and state policy.