Care must be improved – Statement

Let me make it absolutely clear: The care and safety of our elderly must and must improve. It made an impression to read the statement of the nursing home doctor about the experiences of residents and staff. The description of the gap between what the employees have time to do, and what they are given the opportunity to do, is a very clear marching order about what must happen going forward. More time even for the individual, more people at work and nursing homes that are adapted to the needs of the elderly who live there. Our elderly and their loved ones must be confident that the community will stand up for them. We want to ensure that the elderly are given security and the opportunity to live good and fulfilling lives. The elderly must be able to manage their own lives, freedom of choice and co-determination are ensured. In order to manage this, we must strengthen staffing and give the employees room and the opportunity to meet the needs of the elderly. We therefore need feedback from professionals who both see and know where the shoe presses. Thank you very much for taking the time to put into words what you are experiencing. I have great understanding for the impatience and commitment. I completely agree that competence and staffing are an important part of ensuring a safe old age for our elderly. As we become fewer working people and more elderly, we need to think anew. It’s about having more time for the individual, seeing who they are, and meeting them with good and appropriate help. Then we have to work in new and smarter ways that contribute to the right skills being used at the right time. At the same time, we must look after the employees and make it possible for them to stand in their profession. I want to start with what we are already doing – and which must go faster – so that the elderly in Norway can be confident that they will receive dignified care, proper care and good care. The TØRN project, which almost 200 municipalities are already working on, goes straight to the core. Various attempts are made here to ensure that the resources and expertise of the municipalities’ care services are used as best as possible. New rotation arrangements have already been established, so we get more full-time and better follow-up of the residents. Then they are met by employees they know and who know them. Division of tasks has been set up in a system, so that healthcare workers, nurses and assistants use their expertise more correctly. Food hosts, porters and young people who spread joie de vivre and activity become part of everyday life. We have sixfolded the amount that goes to this, because we see that it works. Welfare technology is introduced and used in a way that feels safe for both the employees and the elderly, and not least the relatives. A night sensor can tell about those who wander, about unrest and the need for supervision. Those who sleep do not have to be woken up. Those who need a steady hand, help with a visit to the toilet or escort back to bed, get it. A conversation, an adapted activity and fresh air help to reduce the use of medicine. It also provides more peace and security inside a department. We know that. The result is new and better ways of working, which free up time for the employees. The investment subsidy benefits the elderly. It gives them safe and more homely everyday life, where illness and everyday life are combined in a unique way. We must have more adapted buildings in the coming years, because the needs will become more complex. Some need a secure home, some need relief for short periods and some need care and help around the clock. We must manage and fill those needs. We can do better, and we will do more. We must build on what works, and we must improve on what is not good enough today. Our elderly must be confident that there are good home services, nursing homes and, not least, professionals who know them at work. I will use my time as Minister of Health and Care well, listen to the employees and work to create the necessary security for our elderly. After I took over as Minister of Health and Care, I have had the opportunity to visit several nursing homes and care homes. Every time I have met nursing home doctors, nurses and health professionals, I have been inspired. It must be safe to grow old in Norway – now and in the future. Published 07/08/2024, at 13.32



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