Local council member advocates for better home care services in Hesti after father’s nursing home placement in Tórshavn

Last year, Arna Silvurstein’s father, who resides in Hesti, required assistance at home to manage his daily needs.

“He needed someone to visit him regularly, help with meals, provide home care, and facilitate rehabilitation—services typically available in the capital, Tórshavn,” shares Arna Silvurstein.

Instead of receiving help at home in Hesti, her father was sent to a nursing home in Tórshavn. Arna Silvurstein, a member of the Local Council in Hesti, finds this situation unacceptable.

The services provided by the Health and Care Services are inadequate for those living in Hesti. Instead of practical assistance, Arna’s father was offered respite care, after which a municipal worker came to assess his needs and discuss potential options.

“There was no other option but to admit him to a nursing home in Tórshavn,” Arna explains.

The lack of adequate services is not a new issue. Arna recalls a similar situation when her grandparents needed help at home. “At that time, no support was available, and we had to rent them a place in Tórshavn to access the help they needed before they could enter a nursing home.”

“It’s about quality of life,” insists Arna. “Living in one’s own home as long as possible is the best for everyone. This challenge is particularly acute for those from villages like Hesti who are forced to leave their familiar surroundings for a nursing home. It’s not ideal and represents too great a leap. There should be an intermediate solution.”