What is a retirement home?

Accommodation for elderly people who have extensive needs for assistance and care around the clock

A nursing home is a place for older people who need extensive assistance and care around the clock. Here, residents receive support with everyday activities, medication and personal care. Nursing homes are specially designed to provide security and safety, and have staff available 24 hours a day to help residents when needed.

A nursing home is sometimes also called a special residence, a nursing home or a care home, depending on the municipality. The application for a place in a nursing home is made to the municipality’s social welfare officer, who conducts an investigation of the person’s needs and decides on the accommodation. At seniorval.se you can easily search for nursing homes around Sweden.

24/7 care and support

In a nursing home, residents have access to healthcare staff 24 hours a day, which provides security for both the residents and their relatives. The staff at nursing homes help with things like personal hygiene, dressing, meals and medication. For residents who have greater healthcare needs, for example if they have chronic illnesses or dementia, there is also access to nurses and sometimes other specialists.

This continuous care and treatment makes nursing homes suitable for people who can no longer manage on their own at home and who need regular help and supervision.

An adapted and safe environment

Nursing homes are designed to be safe and functional for older people. The accommodation often offers individual rooms or apartments, and these are equipped with safety features such as grab bars, alarms and anti-slip surfaces to minimise the risk of falls. Many nursing homes are also specially adapted for people with dementia, with clear directions, calming environments and colour schemes that facilitate orientation and security.

The apartments in a retirement home can often be furnished with their own furniture, which allows residents to create a personal and pleasant environment.

Social activities and community

To create a meaningful everyday life, retirement homes often arrange social activities and joint events. These activities can include everything from reading aloud and gymnastics to music sessions, movie nights and outings. Social activities help residents feel involved and engaged, which is important for well-being.

Many nursing homes have communal dining rooms where residents can eat together, which promotes community and makes mealtimes a pleasant time.

Who is a nursing home suitable for?

Nursing homes are a form of housing that is aimed at people who have a great need for help and care, often around the clock. It is a safe and adapted environment for older people who can no longer manage their everyday lives on their own, even with support from, for example, home care services. For many, nursing homes are an alternative when home care and other support measures are no longer sufficient to ensure safety and care.

Security alarm to be able to sound the alarm outdoors

Residents of nursing homes usually have security alarms from the municipality to easily alert caregivers at any time. Security alarms in nursing homes usually only work indoors, so it may be worth considering supplementing with a security alarm from Sensorem that also works outdoors and has built-in GPS positioning with the geofence.