hjemmetjeneste

Hjemmetjeneste (Norwegian: home care service) refers to publicly organized services delivered in a person’s home to support daily living, health care and social needs. It is primarily aimed at older people, persons with disabilities, and those with short-term care needs after hospital discharge, enabling independent living and reducing the need for institutional care.

Typical services include personal care (bathing, dressing, toileting), nursing tasks (medication administration, wound care), practical assistance (housework, shopping), meal delivery, rehabilitation exercises and coordination of other municipal services. Services are usually provided by nurses, auxiliary nurses, home care aides and sometimes allied health professionals, with involvement from family caregivers and voluntary organizations.

In Norway, hjemmetjeneste is mainly organized and funded by municipalities under national health and care legislation; eligibility and level of service are determined through individual needs assessments. Funding commonly combines municipal budgets and user co-payments within regulatory limits. Private providers may supplement municipal services, often under contract.

Key issues affecting hjemmetjeneste include workforce shortages, quality variation between areas, funding pressures and the need to balance safety with personal autonomy. Recent trends emphasize digital tools (telecare, electronic medication systems), integrated care models and preventive measures to support aging in place and improve continuity of care.