Hjemmeinstitusjon

Hjemmeinstitusjon is a term used in the Norwegian health and care system to describe a model of care where individuals with substantial care needs receive institutional-level services in their own home, rather than moving to a nursing home or other residential facility. The aim is to combine professional care with the person’s familiar environment to support independence and quality of life.

Implementation and services typically involve a needs assessment by the municipal health and care services. If approved, a tailored care plan is created and coordinated by a care team. Services may include nursing care, personal assistance, medication management, rehabilitation, meals, domestic support, safety measures, and on-call coverage as needed. Care may be provided by municipal staff or contracted private providers, under ongoing supervision. Equipment and home adaptations, such as accessibility modifications or safety devices, may be part of the agreement.

Funding and governance are municipal responsibilities within Norway’s public health and care framework. Clients may contribute to the cost of personal services according to a sliding-scale system based on income, while core medical and essential services are typically publicly funded. The goal is to enable people to remain at home with a high level of professional support, potentially reducing or delaying the need for relocation to an institutional setting.

Benefits and challenges are commonly discussed. Advantages include preserved autonomy, continuity of daily life, and reduced disruption for families. Challenges can include capacity constraints, the need for complex coordination among multiple providers, upfront costs for home adaptations, and ensuring consistent 24-hour safety for individuals with high medical risk. See also nursing home, home care, and assisted living.