0
0
The European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT) has published today the report on its ad hoc visit to Austria, carried out from 18 to 28 March 2025, together with the response of the Austrian authorities.
The purpose of this visit was to examine the treatment of persons accommodated in residential care homes. To this end, the delegation visited four privately run institutions, two in the state of Lower Austria – Beer Home in Neulengbach, SeneCura Home in Purkersdorf, and two in the state of Styria – Sanlas Holding Margarethenhof Home in Voitsberg, and Althea Koralmblick-Frauental Home in Frauental an der Laßnitz.
The delegation received no allegations, and found no other indications, of ill-treatment of residents by staff in the establishments visited. On the contrary, many residents spoke very positively about staff, and the atmosphere in the homes visited appeared generally relaxed and welcoming, with good, or even very good living conditions.
The Committee notes, however, the shortage of staff and recommends that the Austrian authorities further strengthen their efforts to ensure that there are sufficient numbers of appropriately trained nursing and care staff across all grades and disciplines.
As regards care provided to residents, the report positively observes an individualised approach in terms of care needs, therapeutic interventions, and occupational and recreational activities.
Furthermore, the Committee positively notes that the system of reporting of freedom restriction measures to the network of residents’ representatives (Bewohnervertretung) who subsequently check their proportionality and challenge them in court as required, is a very strong safeguard. However, the CPT is concerned to note that not all cases of pharmacological freedom restriction measures are recorded as such and reported.
The response of the Austrian authorities addresses the recommendations, comments and requests for information formulated by the CPT in its report on the visit.
- Read the report
