Elderly people in a large Danish city

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Public Health
• Healthcare Management

Background:

• Current elderly care models often face challenges in integration and personalization.
• A need exists for comprehensive systems that address diverse elderly needs holistically.
• The Aalborg Model was developed to innovate traditional approaches to elder care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and describe the components of the Aalborg Model of elderly care.
• To highlight the model's focus on early detection and personalized support.
• To evaluate the model's potential for improving elderly quality of life and reducing costs.

Main Methods:

• The Aalborg Model integrates housing, activities, food services, practical assistance, nursing care, rehabilitation, and counseling.
• It emphasizes early illness detection and personalized needs assessment.
• Services are flexible, needs-based, and user-directed, with integrated housing in residential areas.

Main Results:

• The model eliminates the division between visiting nurses and nursing homes, moving away from diagnosis-based classification.
• It offers a wide range of flexible assistance options, from meal delivery to 24/7 care.
• Elderly users have significant influence on decisions regarding their care and services.

Conclusions:

• The Aalborg Model provides a comprehensive, flexible, and user-centered approach to elderly care.
• It aims to improve quality of life and reduce treatment costs through early intervention and personalized support.
• The model's success relies on user involvement and adaptable service coordination within local districts.