Concerns rise over elderly care quality in Norway as population ages

Concerns are rising regarding the quality of elderly care in Norway. With the population aging, significant voices are highlighting the issues:

Elderly Research: “They spend too much time indoors.” The Department: “There are too many disparities.” The National Association for Public Health: “They lead a poorer quality of life.” Health Inspectorate: “We find several legal violations.”

In just seven years, Norway will see more individuals over 65 than children and youth aged 0-19 for the first time. Currently, many elderly citizens feel that the care services provided are inconsistent and often inadequate.

Grete Eilertsen, a professor at the University of Southeast Norway, emphasizes the need for uniformity in care services. “Access to high-quality services should not vary by location. This is a fundamental right in a democratic society,” she asserts. Her sentiments are echoed by officials in the health and care department, highlighting the importance of reducing significant discrepancies in care.

Eilertsen, who leads the Elderly Research project, notes that many elders are confined indoors and stresses the importance of social, existential, and psychological aspects of their lives. Despite nearly 200,000 more elderly individuals in Norway over the past decade, data indicates that Norway remains one of Europe’s ‘youngest’ countries.

The National Association for Public Health expresses worry over insufficient activities for the elderly, attributing it to limited resources and expertise, leading to a deterioration in life quality.

Regular inspections by the Health Inspectorate reveal multiple legal violations, often stemming from inadequate focus on activities, nutrition, and the prevention of abuse. While the department maintains that current legislation is adequate, they acknowledge the need for improved implementation to ensure dignified care for the elderly, stressing the importance of individual preferences in care planning.