Assistnivå

Assistnivå is a term used in Swedish social services to describe the amount of assistance a person needs to perform daily activities. It is applied in care planning, resource allocation, and decisions about eligibility for services under the Social Services Act (SoL) and the Act concerning Support and Service to Certain Disabled Persons (LSS). The concept is determined through assessment by social services in collaboration with health professionals, who review activities of daily living (ADL), instrumental activities of daily living (IADL), mobility, communication, safety, and participation goals. Levels are typically presented on a scale, such as level 1–4 or as descriptive terms like low, medium, or high, indicating the intensity and hours of support required.

How assistnivå translates into services: a higher level implies a larger support package, which can include personal assistance with hygiene, dressing, meals, and mobility, as well as home help, assistive technologies, and home adaptations. Decisions are individualized and reviewed periodically or when circumstances change. The aim is to balance safety with the person’s autonomy and participation in society, while ensuring that services match the documented needs.

Limitations and considerations: assessments can be influenced by resource availability and policy changes; individuals may appeal decisions or request reevaluation. Emphasis is placed on person-centered planning, transparency, and respect for rights. Terminology and practices may vary between municipalities, but the core idea remains the assessment of required support to determine appropriate services.

See also: LSS, SoL, activities of daily living (ADL/IADL), assistive technology.