Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Nordic countries are known for their comprehensive welfare models and strong social support systems. However, ageing populations and associated increasing complex care needs (combined health and social care) are challenging these systems. Living up to the public expectations of high-quality, universal care and maintaining equity and accessibility is becoming more difficult as care demands increase, and costs are rising. Therefore, the workshop seeks to highlight both similarities and differences in how Nordic welfare states address ageing-related care needs, and discuss opportunities for improving care coordination, access, and equity. The workshop will begin with a very brief overview of the Nordic welfare model, setting the scene for the presentations and outlining similarities and differences across the countries. Then the workshop's five studies will present key aspects of health and social care for older adults in four Nordic countries. This starts with quantitative studies on healthcare and social care expenditures of multimorbidity (Sweden), and caregivers’ distress linked to care service use (Finland), followed by qualitative studies exploring critical areas for implementation of a successful integrated care model (Norway), driving and mitigating factors of adverse health among informal caregivers (Denmark), and experiences of realising evolving needs that make older adults seek home help services (Sweden). Together, these studies build up to a comprehensive perspective on care provision for older adults in the Nordics drawing from both qualitative and quantitative methods. A mutual challenge is the gap between the policy goal of providing opportunities for “ageing in place” and the realities in relation to informal care burdens, fragmented care services, and social inequalities. Addressing these challenges requires both attention to the lived experiences of older adults and caregivers, and reshaping how care is provided though policies and care reforms. The added value of this workshop lies in the fact that all presenters are part of the Nordic network “Social Inequalities in Ageing” (a Nordic network on social gerontology). This allows for well-informed comparisons across the Nordic countries. The structure of the workshop, with a joint introduction, coordinated presentations, and a shared discussion, facilitates a deeper understanding of both mutual challenges and national differences. It also creates a space for learning from each other and explore new ideas for improving care for older adults. The workshop will be structured as a 60-minute scientific session with a very brief introductory talk, followed by five short presentations, each 8 minutes long followed by an interactive discussion with the audience. This format provides opportunities for cross-country learning and exchange of knowledge among the participants in the workshop. Key messages • Nordic countries share a strong welfare tradition, but rising care demands due to ageing populations are exposing shared vulnerabilities and expose the need for renewed approaches to care provision. • By drawing on both qualitative and quantitative research, this workshop provides new insights into the challenges and opportunities for the care systems across the Nordic region.
Language: English
Subfield: General Health Professions
Field: Health Professions
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,181
OpenAlex ID: W4415579148
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