Refugees in Vienna's nursing homes: Seniors are waiting in vain for places!
Refugees in Vienna's nursing homes: Seniors are waiting in vain for places!
In recent years, the situation in Vienna has come to a fortune: More and more refugees and displaced persons are finding its way into the urban nursing homes. According to a report by Exxpress , this development has been observed since 2015. While the places for seniors are often long in coming, asylum seekers can move in within a very short time. This causes resentment among the older citizens who often feel neglected.
Especially since the outbreak of the Ukraine War in February 2022, the situation has tightened: around 100 Ukrainian families have been housed in Viennese nursing homes. Refugees receive support in currently seven houses, including asylum seekers from countries such as Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan. A report by the city tariff courtyard points out that asylum enthusiasts often have to stay in the homes longer than the intended four months. An exception applies to Ukrainians: they stay there until they can return to their homeland.
The challenges of accommodation
The accommodation of refugees in nursing homes is not only emotionally, but also financially a challenge for the facilities. In 2023, the Döbling house reported a deficit of almost 92,000 euros, since the costs for the "wrong" places were not covered. The providers emphasize that the quartering of asylum seekers is charging the resources of the pensioners and reduces the number of available places for seniors.
according to DStGB have increased the conflicts about living space and social offers considerably. Many municipalities are forced to find new solutions for the accommodation of the refugees. Difficulties often arise from inadequate communication between the various participants: refugee people, residents, operators of the accommodations and local politicians. The research report on this topic therefore calls for comprehensive citizen participation and the development of strategies for prevention of violence and conflict management.
responsibility towards the weakest
The handling of refugees in nursing homes also calls on questions about the responsibility. While the houses have adopted a kind of protective function for people in need of protection since 2015, the question is how long this can work at the expense of their own seniors. The urban Initiative "Houses on Life" has taken on a responsible role here, but reaches its limits.
So there are considerable challenges. The distribution and accommodation of refugees in Vienna could continue to complicate themselves with increasing number of asylum seekers. It remains to be hoped that the city and the institutions concerned will find solutions that meet both the needs of the older population and the refugees in need of protection.In addition, reports from the Federal Ministry for Family, Seniors, Women and Youth, which has published minimum standards to protect refugees in accommodation, have given additional recommendations for action. These are necessary to promote the integration and coexistence of everyone involved and avoid conflicts. Interested parties can be found on the website of the Ministry BMFSFJ .
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| Ort | Wien, Österreich |
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