Elderly care: similarities and solutions in Denmark and the United States

Denmark, like the United States and other developed countries, is experiencing an increase in the percentage of dependent elderly in its population. They consume a disproportionate share of health and social services at a time when government is attempting to contain costs. Both countries face similar problems in caring for the elderly--problems of escalating hospital costs, dramatically increased nursing home costs, and insufficient public revenues to cover their entire care. Denmark has developed a wide range of services for the elderly--home help, home nursing, adult day care centers, day nursing homes, and sheltered housing. The response in the United States has taken somewhat different directions, although in both countries home and community services have been expanded as a substitute for expensive institutional care. The possible relevance of the U.S. experience in these areas to Denmark and lessons that the United States might learn from the Scandinavian country are discussed.