Elderly care: How does Spain compare with Scandinavia

Spain and Scandinavian countries offer distinct approaches to elderly care, with each system reflecting the societal values and structures of the respective regions. 

Spanish and Scandinavian countries take different approaches to elderly care

In Norway, Denmark, and Sweden, care for the elderly is managed at the municipal level, and there is an emphasis on the universalistic approach, meaning that services are intended to be accessible to all citizens regardless of income or location. 

Care is based on individual needs assessments, not income, ensuring affordability and high quality. 

Scandinavian countries are particularly known for their innovative approaches, such as Denmark’s focus on “re-ablement,” where older people receive support to restore their independence rather than just offering traditional care service, like offering a cooking course instead of a meal service, encouraging self-reliance.

These countries also place a high value on gender equality in caregiving. Women and men are equally involved in the workforce, and the system facilitates gender equality by integrating women into the labour market.

However, despite these efforts, some disparities persist, such as variations in care based on local municipality assessments.

Spain ranks 11th globally in the best countries for elderly care

In comparison, Spain, which ranked 11th in the best countries for elderly care globally, also offers comprehensive care services but operates more through a family-based support system.

This allows for care services to be more personalised, as many care homes are smaller and can provide more individualised attention, in contrast to the larger, more standardised approach seen in Scandinavian countries, where care services might feel less personal due to the more institutionalised nature of care. 

Prices for care homes in Spain can range from €1,500 to €4,000 per month, and quality and accessibility can vary between urban and rural areas.

Along the Mediterranean coast there are some of the best care homes on offer

One of the most significant benefits of Spanish care homes along the Mediterranean coast is the warm climate and the relaxed lifestyle, which contribute positively to the health and well-being of elderly residents.

This is especially noticeable comparing it to the colder and harsher weather in Scandinavian countries, such as the snowier climates of Sweden and Norway, where they can be less conducive to outdoor activities for the elderly and can limit social interaction and engagement.

Along the coast there are also more modern approaches to elderly care than other parts of Spain, incorporating care for the disabled too, alongside support for the psychological welfare of residents as well as physical.

For example, in the Costa Blanca North, there is La Cruz Azul, which not only offers at-home assistance with domestic and social tasks, but also has psychology services and specialised rehabilitation support for those with cerebral damage from Alzheimer’s, Dementia, Parkinsons or strokes.

Spain’s care homes can be less affordable, but more individualised for the elderly

In terms of accessibility, Scandinavian care homes are known for their proficiency here, and affordability, due to being funded largely by tax contributions. 

Spain’s care homes can be less affordable, particularly in high-demand regions, but are more flexible and adaptive to cultural preferences, ensuring that the elderly feel more at home in their surroundings.

In terms of gender equality in caregiving roles, Scandinavian countries have managed to achieve more of a balance, while in Spain, family members, often women, bear a greater share of caregiving responsibilities following a more traditional approach to gendered roles in society.

While Scandinavian countries rely more on institutional care, Spain offers a blend of formal and informal care, where family members and the local community actively participate in supporting their elderly residents. 

This can be seen as more nurturing and less isolating than the more institutionalised approach common in Scandinavia.

Scandinavia care has institutionalised costs, Spain has personalised, community-focused care

While Scandinavian care homes offer excellent services with a universalistic approach, Spain provides a warmer, more family-oriented environment that fosters well-being, social interaction, and quality of life, with the added bonus of the Mediterranean diet; rich in fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats, considered to be one of the healthiest in the world.

This, along with the warmer climate and the social culture in Spain encouraging more communal activities, contributes to the overall health and well-being of residents.

This makes it an attractive option for many, especially those who prioritise a blend of professional care and a community-oriented lifestyle.