Saskia Solomon reports for The New York Times on health care in Austria, where the focus is on relaxation for people with serious heart problems, cancer, diabetes, neurological diseases and joint problems. Austrian citizens might spend a few weeks at a rehab center focused on treating their conditions, where they are taught how to adopt healthier habits and change their lifestyles to reduce stress.
The Austrian government pays the vast majority of the $6,000 cost of these visits when their treating physician deems it medically necessary. Patients pay a small fee, on a sliding scale, depending on their incomes. While at these rehab facilities, patients walk, take saunas, art therapy, water aerobics and learn how to cook healthy meals. All of these activities are thought to be treatments, energy boosts for people who are feeling down. .
In Austria, the government sees these rehab centers–located in peaceful, rural environments–as a way to reenergize its citizens with health conditions and keep them working. To be clear, though the pace is slow, patients are not at a spa; it’s not all fun and games. There are rules.
Patients must engage in scheduled activities 10 hours a day. If they violate the rules, they will be asked to leave. Electronic sensors allow the rehab facilities to monitor the residents.
People are given new diets and meal plans, an education in how to best care for themselves, as well as free time to absorb what they learn. They can see a therapist or try other ways to relax their minds.
Here’s more from Just Care:
- GAO finds US drug prices more than four times those in France
- Japanese test technology to improve health of older adults
- Denmark just named happiest country for retirees
- Cohousing: Independence, companionship and community
- Student housing in a Dutch retirement home
