Elderly people in a large Danish city.

The Aalborg Model of elderly care contains the following new concepts: It is a comprehensive system, including housing, activities, a food service, practical assistance, nursing care, physical rehabilitation and counselling. High priority is given to the earlier detection of illness and of special needs in an attempt to enrich the quality of life of the elderly and to reduce the cost of treatment. Suitable, independent housing for the elderly has been integrated into ordinary residential areas. The elderly choose their own housing and the assistance they require based on the principle that they will be given help to help themselves, no matter where they live. The former division between visiting nurses and nursing homes has been eliminated, and the elderly are no longer classified according to "diagnosis." One exception to this is the geronto-psychiatric patients who are cared for in special nursing homes. The various kinds of assistance give many options to choose from, regardless of where you live. The services offered are flexible and are provided according to need. They can range from the once a week delivery of frozen, ready-to-serve dishes to extensive care both day and night. Decisions regarding the content and extent of the services are made by members of the permanent staff and the group leaders in cooperation with the elderly users. The various kinds of assistance can be adjusted to suit changing priorities and are provided in accordance with the special character of a local district. One group leader in each district is responsible for coordinating the services. The users have great influence.