Preventive Home Visits to Elderly Persons in Denmark : From the Perspective of Welfare Informatization

Abstract

The main aim of this paper is to investigate the characteristics of the preventive home visits scheme from the perspective of welfare informatization. Denmark legally requires every municipality to offer home visits to all citizens aged 75 or older. I conclude, based on analysis of home visits in the municipalities of Denmark, that this scheme is a comprehensive measure for reaching out to help the elderly to live independent and healthy lives. It is carried out by municipalities as a public responsibility. Secondly, the information collected during the visits is shared with other parties when it is necessary to support the elderly concerned, although it is protected as confidential information. Thirdly, the data on the living conditions of the elderly in the municipality are gathered systematically, and they are put to efficient use so as to adapt the welfare policy in the municipality to the local conditions and needs. Lastly, by dint of the preventive home visits, information accessibility is secured for the elderly, who have difficulties in making use of ICT and social networks, by providing them with useful information about social services and advice on improving their functional abilities.