Vorarlberg disability support homes struggle without cooling

People living in Lebenshilfe Vorarlberg homes and the staff caring for them are struggling with high temperatures, ORF reported. Most facilities lack cooling systems, while fans and shaded areas are in demand.

In the residential home in Hard, 21 people with disabilities are cared for by 15 social care workers. Six staff members are on duty during the day.

Social care worker Monika Galehr said the heat had significantly increased the workload. “The work itself remains the same. But it becomes more strenuous. Care must continue despite the heat, and sometimes requires even more effort than usual,” she said.

Residents show different symptoms during extreme heat, Galehr said. Some become tired or display symptoms of illness, making it difficult to determine whether the heat or another condition is causing their weakness.

Walter Küng, head of the Hard residential home, described the situation as intense. “The situation has been extremely challenging in recent weeks. We are trying to do the best we can with the resources available to us. But it is not good,” he said.

Cooling systems are often missing in Lebenshilfe facilities, and some do not even have shutters. Demand for more shaded areas and fans is high, while installing air conditioning currently appears unrealistic.

Lebenshilfe Vorarlberg is developing a comprehensive heat plan to respond better to rising temperatures. However, limited funding makes major investments difficult to implement.

The organisation therefore depends on additional donations and financing. For now, it is relying on smaller, cost-effective measures such as fans, foot baths and misting sprays.