Reader’s letter, Health | – Being relatives is demanding, and the burden can be so great that they sometimes become patients themselves

Sola municipality works according to the TØRN strategy for development and change work in the living conditions services. We must prepare ourselves for the future by using resources and expertise in a correct and sensible way. TØRN will ensure that we continue to deliver sustainable services, despite an expected future shortage of trained healthcare personnel.

TØRN has in its areas of focus that next of kin should be involved to a greater extent. Sola is a “Home – municipality” – which means that as many people as possible should be able to live in their own home for as long as possible. Relatives have first-hand knowledge and expertise about their loved ones, and are basically a great resource. Many manage in their own homes, thanks to care from relatives.

Relatives are not a homogeneous group. There are adults who are relatives of children, young people, spouses/partners and aging parents, and children who are relatives of siblings and parents. These relate to a wide range of physical illnesses and conditions, to drug addiction and psychiatry.

The strategy should therefore also include kindergartens and schools. Being relatives is demanding, and the burden can be so great that they sometimes become patients themselves. A next-of-kin strategy should include, among other things, offers for guidance, training, coordination and support schemes.

A next of kin strategy is in line with the focus areas of TØRN, and should therefore be an integral part of the change and development work in living conditions.