Mag. Stefan Hagauer

In Austria, an estimated 169,000 people live with dementia. Despite its prevalence, dementia remains frequently tabooed and stigmatized in society, and media often reinforce negative representations. The Austrian Dementia Strategy therefore emphasizes social participation and self-determination as key objectives. Awareness and educational measures - particularly for students - can strengthen knowledge, empathy, and an open attitude within society.

International nursing professionals – including those from the Philippines – play an important role in maintaining high-quality long-term care in Austria. As a result, they are actively recruited for the long-term care sector in the province of Upper Austria. It is essential, however, that these professionals are not regarded just as a response to workforce shortages. Instead, sustainable integration – both within the workplace and in the broader community – as well as their long-term retention in Upper Austria must be ensured. Insufficient workplace integration can create significant uncertainty, affecting both international nursing professionals and their colleagues.