Council of Europe identifies weaknesses in Norwegian elderly care

The Council of Europe has urged Norway to improve long-term care for the elderly following a visit by Human Rights Commissioner Michael O'Flaherty. While Norway received praise for facilitating home-based living and social participation for seniors, the report highlighted several critical concerns.

Key issues identified include a shortage of care places and staff, leading to a widespread staffing crisis characterized by high turnover and heavy workloads. The report noted that strict admission criteria for nursing homes can delay access to necessary care, even for those with significant needs. Additionally, geographic disparities in service quality were noted, particularly in rural areas.

The Council also pointed out that an increasing reliance on volunteers and relatives must supplement, rather than replace, professional care. Furthermore, Sami elderly populations face specific geographic, linguistic, and cultural barriers within the care system. State Secretary Usman Mushtaq acknowledged the findings, stating that external perspectives provide opportunities for improvement.