The Danish Care Home Market - The Danes vs The Brits

The population of Denmark is just shy of 6m with 19% being 65 or over in age (1.08m). Elderly population in the UK is circa 12m. 

93% of the care home stock in Denmark is publicly owned when compared with the UK at 4%. The publicly funded model in Denmark is driven by the higher tax rates imposed, which has enabled their municipals to standardise their care models by charging flat rate fees for care, across the country. The privately owned homes are also charging the same rates to those that are publicly owned.

Fee rates paid by the municipal are in the region of £700 per week for the care element and residents pay for rent and food in additional to this at circa £170 per week, totalling £870 per week. This is at a similar rate to a mid-market care home facility here in the UK.  

Is the Danish healthcare system as regulated as ours?

The homes in Denmark are self-regulated by local municipals. Privately owned homes have further flexibility on regulation; therefore the sector is not as highly regulated as in the UK. Any issues get resolved by communicating directly with the municipal or involving the press.

Scandinavian Kit

The majority of the stock is single-storey but ALL are purpose-built and the home closure rates are extremely low. The stock is standardised and does not reflect a primary, secondary or tertiary stock grading that exists here in the UK. In fact, the Denmark stock is secondary to primary tier when compared to the UK stock, with no luxury offerings such as cinema rooms or private dining areas.

We explored both older purpose-built stock (40 years of age) and modern purpose-built homes (circa 5 years of age). They are all very similar in their offering, comprising spacious and airy c. 35 sq.m. apartments with kitchenettes and large en suites. The rooms are simple but functional and reflect an “Ikea style model”. 

When tech meets care!

Here are some inspirational features identified in the Danish care market that enhances efficiencies and improves the quality of care:

• Lighting to stimulate circadian rhythm 
• Automatic unlocking of  resident apartment doors when a resident navigates towards their room
• Sekoia’s digital care planning system, saving time and improving efficiencies
• Wide corridors and doors to future proof their asset
• Floor sensors to track movement/falls
• Swings suitable for residents in wheelchairs
• Ceiling mounted hoists
• Electronically adjustable toilet seats

How does the labour force in Denmark compare with the UK?

There is a shortfall of nursing staff but the case is not as severe as in the UK. Staff also travel a further distance to reach the homes when compared with the UK, at circa half an hour drive times. Also nursing staff earn a similar salary to a teacher or a carpenter in Denmark.

How are the care homes rated in Denmark?

No inadequate ratings!

Konklusion

What I particularly liked about the Danish care market was its centralised and harmonised system, providing a level playing field for all residents and with investment in technology at the forefront. All social care data was digitalised in 1995 in Denmark whilst the UK are yet in the process. With the use of Sekoia’s digital system, staff had more time to spend with residents. The availability of larger plots coupled with homes built in areas surrounding open fields, connects the environment to care, leading to peaceful and serene settings with happy residents.

In order to discuss the disparities between the UK and other foreign care markets, please get in touch - mandip.bhogal@knightfrank.com