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Of: TT
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Photo: Magnus Hjalmarson Neideman / SvD / TT
Too late and too little. The criticism after the pandemic’s management of the country’s nursing homes is harsh but fair, according to the lead researcher TT spoke to. Stock Photography.
Researchers for the elderly hope that the harsh and direct criticism from the Corona Commission will be a starting point for a more affluent elderly care in Sweden.
With the Swedish death toll rapidly approaching 8,000, the Crown Commission declares in its first interim report that elderly care was ill-equipped to deal with a pandemic. Thousands of elderly people have succumbed to covid-19 in special homes for the elderly.
The Commission notes that measures to reduce the spread of infection in the care of the elderly were too late and insufficient.
– It’s a good review. The Commission has made the correct assessment. I am impressed that it is so clear and distinct, says Maria Eriksdotter, chief physician of geriatrics at Karolinska University Hospital and professor at Karolinska Institute, to TT.
Structural deficiencies
She believes that structural deficiencies have existed since the so-called nobility reform in 1992 when municipalities assumed responsibility for the care of the elderly. According to her, the biggest problem is the lack of medical skills, especially doctors and nurses. Especially since more and more frail and sick people have entered nursing homes in recent years.
– The need for medical expertise has increased compared to what it was in the early 1990s, but you are not equipped for that.
– In Stockholm today, it is the case that a single nurse after 4 in the afternoon is responsible for 150 households, says Maria Eriksdotter as an example of how far she has come.
“Fantastic job”
Marta Szebehely, a professor of social work at Stockholm University, has been researching elderly care for 35 years and has long pointed to the lack of resources. It also commends the Commission’s findings.
– They are very clear and there are adequate criticisms. It’s great that they emphasize that it is necessary to strengthen care for the elderly.
– I think they have done a fantastic job in a short time, he tells TT.
They both appreciate that the Commission wants nurses to be available in all nursing homes 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
– It’s reasonable. Norway has about five times as many nurses as we do, says Marta Szebehely.
They also agree that the divided leadership of elderly directors between municipalities and regions is regrettable, in part because different systems of medical records are used.
A dividing line
TT: Do you think this Commission review will mark a milestone in view of how care for the elderly is carried out in Sweden?
– I really do, and I hope so. Elderly care has long been neglected and now, unfortunately, the pandemic has become a stress test for elder care, says Maria Eriksdotter.
– The Commission will also be important in terms of attitudes towards older people among the general public in Sweden. By better understanding the knowledge and skills that older people also have at all levels, we will gain greater respect for older people and for those who work with older people.
Marta Szebehely responds as follows:
– I hope that in the future the care of the elderly will be valued so that they receive resources, the staff receive training and support and that their efforts be valued.
– But I am a little afraid that he will focus too much on the medical. It is important to be able to support both nursing staff and healthcare while ensuring that older people can continue to live a good social life in nursing homes.
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