Free Home care for all over 65 in Denmark

I was about to write about the problem with aging and care in Canada when I noticed this brief article about care in Denmark. Apparently, in tiny but dynamic Denmark, care for all over 65 is free. Danes over 65 who need it have free care around the clock if needed and this includes services such as cleaning and shopping. Those over 75 are eligible for an annual home assessment by a nurse to determine what extra care may be needed to head off future problems. According to Ms. Rostgaard of the country's National Centre of Social Research the visits have led to improved functional ability among seniors as well as a decline in mortality and fewer admissions to hospitals and nursing homes. "It gives the elderly better well-being and healthier lives." Danes who do end up in long-term care are accommodated in private rooms with their own doorbells. Pets are allowed to enhance a homey feel. Because of the emphasis on keeping seniors at home, just 20 per cent of Denmark's spending on the elderly goes to institutional care, compared to 80 per cent in Canada. Government funded services are provided to 25 per cent of Danes over 65, the highest rate in the world. It's 10 per cent in Canada. This is worth examining.