Each municipality (kommun) has somebody who is responsible for assessing help needs (a biståndsbedömare). They will look at your circumstances and assess home-help needs and let you know how much these will cost. Home-help is available for a whole range of things from personal hygiene (showering, washing hair, dressing) to cleaning, shopping and cooking. The kommun also employs nurses (all doctors are employed by the county council) so nursing care is co-ordinated with all the other support.
If you become so infirm or sick, living at home is no longer an option, there are a few residential options depending on the level of support you need:
Seniorboende
These are normal apartments but specifically available for seniors. There will probably be a dining hall available and activities arranged but little support is required by those who live there
Servicehus
Here you would also live in your own apartment but support is available 24 hours a day if needed. There are also likely to be more facilities on site – many have restaurants, podiatrists, hairdressers and so on there as well as regular visits from doctors. Some activities may be available and the apartments may be equipped with an alarm and specially equipped for those with disabilities.
Ålderdomshem
Individuals have a small flat or their own room but are likely to have more medical needs. Nurses are present throughout the day and night and doctors are always on call. Meals are provided, there are communal areas and there is a low level of independence for residents.
Sjukhem
Residents may be in single or double rooms and will have a high need for medical support. Nurses nurses are available and doctors are on call around the clock. All meals are provided and support services are available for the resident and their family.
Communal living for the demented
Residents live in their own apartment with a communal kitchen, meals, other areas and activities available. Nurses are available around the clock, doctors are on call.
In each of the above cases, residents need to contribute something towards their accommodation.
Where a low level of support is required, the costs are naturally much lower (mainly rent) while the latter examples require contributions for food and medical support too. Fees for placements provided by the local municipality include all services and are based on the resident’s income (pension etc). An assessment will be carried out by the local municipality to determine the level of care needed. Seniorboende and servicehus can be provided by private companies, co-operatives or public companies (state owned). The local kommun is likely to have a list of what options are available.
To get more information on anything to do with this section, contact your local kommun who will have a specific department caring for the elderly and will be able to provide much more detail on the services they provide and their charges.
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