Social affairs

Niederösterreich is known as Austria's "Number One family province". The main reason for this is the fact that in Niederösterreich almost all children between the ages of 3 and 6 can attend a provincial Kindergarten and that it is the only province in Austria which does not charge parents for Kindergarten care in the morning. Niederösterreich has a family assistance programme to support families with low incomes who have toddlers. It also dispenses a range of further assistance for families and the needy.

The social policy of Niederösterreich is based around two focal points: on the on other hand help for the elderly and on the other support for the disabled. In order to satisfy the needs of the population Niederösterreich runs 51 homes for the elderly and care homes where people in need of care can be nursed around the clock. In addition, Niederösterreich has 227 'social stations' which organise home nursing for the older generation in their own homes.
Together with welfare organisations like "Caritas" and "Lebenshilfe" the government of Niederösterreich organises and finances housing for disabled people as well as workshops to provide occupational therapy.

For more information:
Niederösterreichische Landesregierung
Familienreferat
3109 St. Pölten, Landhausplatz 1
Tel.: +43 2742 9005 0
E-mail: familienreferat@noel.gv.at
http://www.noel.gv.at/Gesellschaft-Soziales/Familien.html

Niederösterreich also has first-class health care, made up of three elements:

1. general practicioners and specialised medical doctors with their own practices;
2. hospitals (22 hospitals at 27 locations) and
3. public health administration (which devotes itself primarily to the organisation of preventive medicine and early diagnosis of illness and epidemics, as well as the organisation of strict food controls)

For more information:
Niederösterreichische Landesregierung
Gruppe Gesundheit und Soziales
3109 St. Pölten, Landhausplatz 1, Haus 14
Tel.: +43 2742 9005 0
E-mail: post.gs7@noel.gv.at
www.noel.gv.at/service/lad/lad1/GruppenAbteilungen/GruppeGesundheitSoziales.htm