Innovation in healthcare for older people

The Home Hospital is for two main groups elderly people who are in a state of crisis and multi- illness and people of all ages who are receiving palliative care. The service offer personalized care for people who need complex combination solutions, both in the field of health and welfare services. The Home Hospital significantly strengthens the services that are generally provided in home care. The goal is to reduce the need for elderly people to seek emergency care and reduce the number of hospital admissions. The service is allowing them to live independently for longer than they would otherwise.

Home hospital started last year as a pilot and has worked on developing the service since then, investing in equipment, training staff etc. A team of emergency responders was created, manned by a doctor, nurse and a medical translator. The team goes to visits at home to those who need it with them. Video calls are also part of the service and more welfare technology solutions are used to monitor individuals with chronic diseases at home.

HSU’s home hospital services has been limited to residents in Árborg, but the aim is to expand the service area in the coming term. The agreement on the Ministry of Health’s support for the project is for one year. It includes financial support in relation to the service provided and regular disclosure of HSU to the Ministry of Health on the operations.