Competence development for sustainable and effective care for older people in the Nordic region

As outlined in the Nordic Council of Ministers’ cooperation programme on social and health policy, the Nordic countries must work to ensure that those in need receive timely, high-quality care. At the same time, the Nordic welfare systems must be adequately staffed and run by professionally competent personnel. However, care for the elderly in the Nordic region is already facing challenges due to labour shortages and a lack of qualified staff.  

To meet these challenges, it is essential to strengthen skills development, upskilling and retraining for staff in elderlycare, with a view to ensuring adequate recruitment and retention. At the same time, new ways of working, digitalisation and the increasing complexity of residents needs place greater demands on staff skills. In a situation where both financial and staffing resources are under pressure, there is therefore a need for a strategic and continuous effort that supports staff development and their ability to handle complex tasks. 

A stronger knowledge base and exchange of experience

On behalf of the Nordic Council of Ministers, the Nordic Welfare Centre is carrying out the project ‘Skills development for sustainable and effective elderly care in the Nordic region’.  

The project aims to strengthen the exchange of experience and cooperation in the Nordic region regarding skills development in elderly care and to contribute to a better knowledge base for the development of initiatives and policies in this area.   

The project is being carried out in collaboration with Professor Tine Rostgaard, the Department of Social Sciences and Business, Roskilde University, Denmark.

 A steering committee and an advisory group comprising representatives from ministries, authorities, local government organisations, etc. from the Nordic countries are also associated with the project. 

The project includes:  

• A review of research on skills development, upskilling and retraining in elderly care in the Nordic countries

• A review of national strategies, policies and initiatives in this field  

• An examination of differences between home care and care homes, between larger and smaller municipalities, and between urban and rural areas. 

The results of the project are expected to be published in the first half of 2027.