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Home service costs: the Swedish experience
M Svensson1, P G Edebalk, U Persson
1Swedish Institute for Health Economics, Lund.
Health Policy (Amsterdam, Netherlands)
|December 10, 1990
Summary
The annual cost of home care services in Sweden varies widely, averaging nearly SEK 100,000 per person. Factors like disability, mental health, and family support significantly impact these essential service costs.
Area of Science:
- Health Economics
- Social Gerontology
- Public Policy
Background:
- Home care services are crucial for individuals with disabilities and the elderly.
- Understanding the cost drivers of these services is essential for resource allocation and policy development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the annual costs of home service and care in Sweden.
- To identify key factors influencing these costs, including disability level, mental health, family support, and living arrangements.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of cost data for home service recipients in Sweden.
- Statistical comparison of costs based on individual characteristics and service utilization.
Main Results:
- Annual costs range from SEK 5,000 to SEK 435,000, with an average near SEK 100,000.
- Costs are higher for individuals with good mental health compared to those with mental disabilities.
- Increased assistance from relatives reduces annual costs by approximately SEK 16,000 per individual.
- Living at home with an alarm telephone increases costs due to required staff supervision.
- Living in a service flat or a handicap-adjusted home is more cost-effective than living in an unadjusted home.
Conclusions:
- Individual needs, family support, and living arrangements are significant determinants of home care costs.
- Policy interventions should consider these factors to optimize service delivery and financial sustainability.
- Further research into cost-effective models for home care is warranted.