Denmark

Abstract

In Denmark, health and social care are available on a universal basis, dependent on need and not age or ability to pay. If an older person is in need of care, it is accepted and underwritten by legislation that the State takes responsibility for his or her care. Families have no legal duty to care and assistance given by family members or relatives is considered as an additional input to that provided by the State, not a substitution. Although there continues to be a culture of additional support provided by family members, especially children of older people, family care seldom substitutes for state care, but it may do. There is a stable pattern in Denmark of formal or state care and informal or family care supplementing each other rather than one substituting for the other. Despite changes in public policy, this principle has remained unchanged. However, while care work is generally undertaken by formal care services for older people who need assistance, especially personal care, children’s support is likely to be confined to practical tasks such as minor repair work or laundry. Spouses also often help with domestic tasks but less often with personal care.