ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on two theoretical models in Austria, on practical models that illustrate these as well as on the connection between theory and practice. The Austrian Constitution stipulates that, unless competencies are covered by the social insurance system, all matters concerning social care, e.g. services and institutions for frail older persons, are a matter to be dealt with by the regional governments. Concerning coordination of services and institutions in health and social care, some provinces have installed so-called health and social districts but even the designation of these entities varies. A general framework for integrated health and social districts was developed in the beginning of the 1990s by the Federal Institute for Health but neither the provincial governments nor regional branches of the health insurance have implemented this coordination model. In 1990 the government defined the introduction of Integrated Health and Social Care Districts in Austria as a major aim of future health policy.
