Hospice movement Upper Austria: 30 years for quality of life at the end of life

Hospice movement Upper Austria: 30 years for quality of life at the end of life

Upper Austria has developed remarkably in the past 30 years, especially in the area of hospice and palliative care. The State Association of Upper Austria was the first in Austria to be founded in 1993 and today it plays an important role in the state of health in the state.

The motto of Cicely Saunders, founder of the hospice movement, "it's not about giving life more days, but more life," forms the basis for this movement. The hospice work aims to improve the quality of life of people in the last phase of life. Senior doctor Christina Grebe explains that this work not only includes medical care, but also the consideration of psychosocial needs. Support for relatives is also of great importance.

The significant contribution of the volunteers

An important pillar of this movement are the volunteers on which the hospice movement is largely dependent. Manuela Glantschnig, a committed volunteer of the mobile hospice team of Caritas Linz, emphasizes that every person and family that accompanies them is individual. This individuality makes the work so special. "We give time, we pay attention," says Glantschnig and emphasizes the importance of mere existence for the patient.

A central aspect of the hospice movement is that about 80 percent of people are looked after in basic care at the end of life, While Only 20 Percent Require Specialized Palliative Care Services. This system illustrates the need for a graded care and targeted support in order to meet the needs of the patients.

In order to train the specialists in basic care, special projects such as HIM OÖ and HPCPH- hospice culture and palliative care were created in old people's and nursing homes. These projects were launched to promote the skills of the employees and to ensure sensitive support. Gerald Rechberger, Managing Director of Together GmbH, underlines the importance of dignity in the last phase of life and tries to avoid unnecessary hospital admissions.

challenges for the future

The anniversary of the hospice movement is also overshadowed by challenges. The shortage of skilled workers is a serious problem that does not stop even before the hospice and palliative care. The decline in volunteers and new requirements from the Hospiz and Palliative Fund Act adopted in 2022 could endanger progress. Grebe warns of bureaucratization and standardization that could restrict individual care. It is essential to inspire young people for volunteering in order to continue to ensure high -quality care in the future.

Overall, the hospice movement in Upper Austria shows a successful model based on empathy and support. With targeted support and a clear focus on the needs of patients and relatives, this important area of health care can continue to thrive.