How do you get a place in a care home?

A residence in a care home (special housing) is the individual's home and not a medical facility.

This must be the starting point for initiatives that are carried out at the individual level. Health and medical care efforts should not be the focus of good care as this can be linked to WHO's definition of health, which implies that not only absence of disease or disability defines how someone experiences their state of well-being.

On what grounds are assistance decisions made?

Care homes (special housing) are something you apply for under the Social Services Act. Municipalities have a responsibility to provide support to people who have difficulty living a good life. This is often referred to as a reasonable standard of living. The elderly should, as far as possible, be able to influence when and how the granted initiatives are given. Although there are similar requirements, each municipality has its own guidelines for what is required to move into a care home.

The average time that the elderly live in care homes varies quite a lot between municipalities. Those who are not satisfied with the municipality's decision can appeal the decision to the administrative court. The Administrative Court and the Chamber Court are the instances that ensure that the differences between the different municipalities do not become too large. An appeal against the right to a care home can be worth appealing. The court often upholds the individual's rights. A positive assistance decision or court ruling must be enforced.

How do I appeal a rejection of an application for a care home?

- Read carefully through the written decision about the rejection to understand the reasons for the rejection and any legal grounds mentioned. It happens that case handlers misunderstand or misinterpret something in your application. In that case, you can request a correction.

- Contact the responsible authority, contact details are usually included in the decision. Ask for an explanation of the rejection and the opportunity to appeal the decision.

- It is also possible to request an audience before the committee. This means that you get to attend a committee meeting and speak for your case

- Write a formal appeal in which you clearly describe the reasons why you believe the rejection should be reconsidered or changed. State the reasons for your desire to get a care home and add evidence or documentation that supports your claim. Make sure the appeal contains your personal details, case number and date of rejection.

- Submit the appeal to the administrative court within the deadline specified in the rejection.
- Wait for a response to your appeal. The Administrative Court usually sends a confirmation that the appeal has been received. The processing time for appeals can vary between the different administrative courts.

If the appeal does not yield the desired result, it may be possible to take the matter further to the Chamber Court. However, aging often has continued and there may be reasons for a new application instead as the reasons for the application may have strengthened.

What happens if there is no place?

The deciding committee is responsible for implementing the initiatives. If the granted initiative has not been implemented, the committee should report to IVO. The committee may be required to pay a penalty fee if the initiative is not implemented.

Some service and care should be offered to "a reasonable standard of living", but it should be based on self-determination where the individual can decide whether he or she wants to accept an offer of a certain social service. The individual must be allowed to continue to decide over their own life to the greatest extent possible, even after moving to a special accommodation. Just because you are elderly and live in a special accommodation, you may not want to bake gingerbread cookies for Christmas. But you might want to participate in the Lucia coffee party in December and spend some time with loved ones.

The basis for health and medical care initiatives

The health and medical care provided at the residence is based on completely different principles. There, it is the medical needs that should govern. The basis is that everyone should receive safe and secure care. It is up to the licensed staff who make assessments and propose treatments or assistance initiatives. In a care home, you have access to a nurse, occupational therapist and physiotherapist. The doctor usually visits once a week.  

Read more:Äldreboendets utformning

Reflection Questions - Assistance Decisions
Care Staff:
- Do you have any discussions about what is a reasonable standard of living at your place?
- What should be included in the service and care for a person living with you?

Manager, Nurse, Occupational Therapist and Physiotherapist:
- How much are you guided by the municipal guidelines at your residence?
- Has there been any change in requirements in recent years?
- How do you get part of changes in regulations and guidelines that affect your requirements?

Residents and Relatives:
- Have you received any information about what is included in service and care at your care home?

Erland Olsson
Specialist nurse
Sofrosyne - Better care every day