Denmark: changes in health and social services for the elderly and comparative observations

In Denmark, legislation having the aim to help the elderly to be active as long as possible and prevent or delay institutionalization, is responsible for a number of innovative programs for this segment of the population. It is now the law that no more nursing homes will be constructed in Denmark. Free home nursing and permanent home help and night patrols for home nursing and help is a strategy to delay or prevent institutionalization. In the municipality of Skaevinge, a nursing home was converted to sheltered housing for the same patients and others from the community. Emphasis is on self care and autonomy in decision making. There are no fixed routines or schedules as found in the traditional nursing home. Examples of programs in facilities are given that have health professionals jointly planning and coordinating the delivery of their services that reduce fragmentation and duplication.