Policy for the elderly
The objective of elderly policy is for elderly people to lead active lives and have influence on society and their own everyday lives; for them to be able to grow old in security and retain their independence; and for them to be treated with respect and have access to good health and social care services.
A supplementary objective has been proposed in the Budget Bill for 2008: "The objective of Government measures is to promote the development of good quality in health care and social care for older women and men by service providers."
Foto: Folio
Elderly women and men will be given the Ageing with dignity conditions to live an independent and high quality life. Elderly people should be able to age in security while retaining their dignity. The Government's measures also embrace the immediate families.
Municipalities' and private, non-governmental and cooperative providers' conditions for achieving good quality care and services will also be supported and developed. A freedom of choice system will be introduced to help develop elderly care that more clearly responds to the needs and desires of the individual. In order to make an educated choice, the elderly and their family need information on how elderly care works. The Government is working for the development and follow-up of quality with national open comparisons, improved statistics and a more efficient supervisory body.
Other vital measures include support for the development of technology for older people and various initiatives in research and development and the dissemination of knowledge that helps improve the quality of elderly care. Investment grants for the building of special housing for the elderly also strengthens the security and legal certainty of the individual.
