They usually live in their own homes and are closely monitored by the home service and relatives. Now Anne-Lise Braastad and Asbjørg Johansen are on a short holiday stay at the largest “nursing home” in Bodø. The two have gotten to know each other here at Sølvsuper health and welfare center near the city centre. The premises inside are reminiscent of a nursing home ward. But the idea behind it is that those who get a place here are guests and not users or patients. – It’s great to be here. We get everything we need, say the two. – I have to say, we are very lucky. Because I don’t think it’s the same everywhere, adds Asbjørg. Would like relatives to have time off There are ten places in the department, and after a few weeks it has managed to gain a good reputation. Avisa Nordland first mentioned the new offer in Bodø. The idea came about because employees in the municipality saw that there were many relatives who were tired. They make a big effort in everyday life. And home nursing could also need some relief in the summer. Now it went at record speed. Within a couple of weeks, the first guests could be welcomed. – It works so that it’s out at 12 o’clock and in at 2 o’clock. It’s just like a hotel, says head of department for summer relief, Synnøve Johansen. Asbjørg Johansen accompanied by department manager Synnøve Johansen on their way out onto the veranda. Photo: Barbro Andersen / news She thinks the idea of a summer hotel was so good that she postponed her holiday, and became head of the department for the six weeks it is open. – I have focused on the fact that those who are here are guests. – It is important that they feel that they are not a burden, but that they are also on some kind of holiday. – Is this a win-win for everyone? – Yes. And if relatives are able to shrug their shoulders and have a good holiday, they will be strengthened to face the challenge that lies ahead throughout the year. International environment Bodø municipality has used both a temp agency and they have redeployed people from the administration to obtain enough staffing. – It is an international language here. We have employees from the Faroe Islands, Denmark and Sweden, so they feel like they are on a little holiday here. That’s what manager at Sølvsuper health and welfare center Trond Einar Skårn says. He didn’t have much to pray when the home service made contact. And he had premises available. For now, he does not know what it will cost to run this department this summer. Anne-Lise gets to like colors and wears the summer scarf. Photo: Barbro Andersen / news But he says that several of the elderly people who come to them improve both physically and socially. So he thinks it will be worth the money anyway. – Meaningful to work here From the large veranda, guests and employees can admire the view over Børvasstindan. Or glance down at the flower flora in the backyard. Nursing student Cecilie Fjærvoll and Synnøve both like the good talk. Photo: Barbro Andersen / news Noise from planes and screaming seagulls fight for attention. Cecilie Fjærvoll has family in Bodø and couldn’t say no to the summer job. – We have good conversations, it makes sense to work here. I wish there were more people who got such a nice offer. – Huge difference from home Several of the guests have enjoyed themselves so much that they ask to stay longer. Anne-Lise Bråstad vacations at Sølvsuper while her son is in Spain. Photo: Barbro Andersen / news – We play cards and different things, says Anne-Lise Asbjørg, looking up from the white summer jumper. At home, there are few people to talk to. – There is a big difference – yes, a huge difference – between sitting alone in an apartment and not having anyone to talk to and what we experience here. So it’s unique. Asbjørg Johansen with his summer knitwear. Photo: Barbro Andersen / news Asbjørg is almost 90 and has a little sister in the USA. – They were supposed to say “Look to Norway”. Because we have so much better care for the elderly than they have. “Look to Bodø” – Creating such a “summer camp” for elderly people who need a little extra help sounds like a brilliant offer. I have not heard of anything like it. That’s what Mina Gerhardsen, secretary general of the National Association for Public Health, says. Mina Gerhardsen, secretary general of the National Association for Public Health Photo: Ilja C. Hendel She believes there are gains in many aspects of what Bodø municipality is doing. The Norwegian Association is concerned that relatives need more support and relief than they currently receive. – We know that many relatives are tired. Even if they want to stand up for their loved ones, the burden and responsibility can be too great. Gerhardsen says she is excited to hear more about the experiences from Bodø after this summer. Because with a shortage of health personnel, there will be a need for new thinking in the future. – This appears to be a good example of positive creativity. I think that it is an idea that more people should consider, says Mina Gerhardsen to news.
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Silver super nursing home in Bodø has summer guests – praised by the National Association for Public Health – news Nordland
