Sweden Democrats propose modern state psychiatric homes

The Sweden Democrats want to establish state-run psychiatric homes for people requiring long-term care and daily support, SVT reports. The party says it would investigate and begin a major healthcare reform during the next parliamentary term.

Party leader Jimmie Åkesson described the proposal as “a kind of modern version” of the mental hospitals of the past at a press conference.

The homes would provide a housing solution for people with a history of repeated emergency visits, compulsory admissions or inpatient psychiatric care. They could include both closed and open units, with stays either permanent or determined by each person’s needs.

“This should be based on voluntariness to the greatest extent,” said Linda Lindberg, the party’s parliamentary group leader.

The Sweden Democrats say the reform would target a vulnerable group that currently falls between different areas of responsibility. Clara Aranda, the party’s spokesperson for social insurance issues, said inpatient places were not replaced by outpatient care when psychiatric care was deinstitutionalised, leaving relatives to take on much of the responsibility for care, support and coordination.

The party compares the proposed homes with existing dementia housing. It says better psychiatric care could also increase security in society and wants to strengthen support for relatives.

With the state as the responsible authority, a new government agency would be needed. The Sweden Democrats say they are prepared to allocate “significant funds” for establishing and operating the homes.