Elderly care cuts raise concerns for Kurt Nissen in Slagelse

Every three weeks, home care services visit Kurt Nissen in Slagelse to clean the bathroom and change the bed linens. This frequency has been reduced from biweekly visits to once every three weeks, leaving no time for vacuuming, which is now handled by a robot vacuum gifted by their son and daughter-in-law.

Kurt Nissen suffers from COPD, making it difficult for him to breathe, so maintaining a clean home is crucial. He prefers limited dust exposure, which is also important for his wife, whose lung condition has deteriorated due to her medication. However, the robot vacuum cannot reach corners or high furniture where dust accumulates.

Kurt is concerned that the reduction in cleaning support could worsen his respiratory condition. He struggles to understand why the municipality has cut back on home care visits, leading to his current situation. He notes that his wife’s arthritis and his own COPD have not improved either, feeling that the change has compromised their care.

The chairperson of the senior committee in Slagelse understands Kurt’s worries but states that an assessment concluded that cleaning every three weeks with robot assistance is sufficient. The reasons for the cuts in home care services include financial constraints and the integration of robotic technology intended to allow staff more time for personal care.

As elections approach, the issue of elderly care is becoming increasingly significant among voters, with a substantial portion indicating that it should be prioritized by local politicians. Kurt acknowledges the need for budgetary priorities but emphasizes that human care should take precedence over infrastructure improvements. The growing elderly population will demand more assistance, making this a prominent topic in the upcoming election campaigns.