Visit to Denmark's Innovative Healthcare System

Young Vilans, a group of young professionals from Vilans organized a study visit to Denmark to explore its innovative long-term healthcare system. The visit began in Odense with Healthcare Denmark, an organization fostering collaborations between public agencies and commercial entities in the healthcare sector. The group received an explanation of the Danish healthcare system, setting the stage for subsequent visits.

The second stop was at the Innovation Center of Southern Denmark. Here, the group explored various social innovations and design processes that contribute to the continuous improvement of healthcare services and other services in the public domain. The center's involvement at every stage of these processes showcased the region's commitment to enhancing healthcare outcomes through innovative approaches.

Abena's Factory Tour

In Aabenraa, the delegation toured Abena's factory, which is renowned for its smart incontinence products. This tour provided a detailed look at the production process, from raw materials to finished products. The visitors were particularly impressed by the level of automation and the intricate processes involved in manufacturing these essential products. The factory tour highlighted the efficiency and precision that modern technology can bring to healthcare product manufacturing.

Exploring Reablement in Rudersdal

The third day, the journey continued to Copenhagen, where the group visited the nearby municipality of Rudersdal. The focus here was on reablement, a core principle of Danish elderly care aimed at helping individuals regain their independence. The delegation engaged with occupational therapists who shared three successful use-cases of reablement, providing practical insights into this compassionate and effective approach.

Next, through direct conversations with clients and caregivers, the visitors heard firsthand about the positive impacts of reablement. Questions like  "I want to learn to live again and learn to say yes to things, can you help me with that?" from clients underscored the profound and personal engagement between caregivers and clients. The caregivers in Rudersdal also employed thought-provoking questions such as "What would you rather have done than receive us now?" and "What do you find problematic at the moment?" These inquiries are designed to motivate clients to take initiative and start doing things for themselves again. They offer reassurance with the promise: "You can always fall back on help after trying to do it yourself." These interactions highlighted how reablement empowers individuals to take charge of clients’ lives, fostering a sense of independence and confidence.

Insights and Reflections

The Danish approach to healthcare, particularly its emphasis on reablement, showcased a model that not only aims to provide care but also to empower individuals. By focusing on what people need to lead a comfortable life rather than simply asking what can be done for them, the Danish healthcare system promotes a high degree of self-reliance and personal growth.

The inspirational journey demonstrated the effectiveness of a healthcare system that prioritizes independence, innovation, and personal engagement. The young professionals from Vilans returned with valuable lessons and a renewed sense of possibility for enhancing elderly care in their own work environments. On the one hand, the visit highlighted that by adopting best practices from Denmark, significant improvements can be made in the quality and efficiency of elderly care worldwide. On the other hand, the visit made clear that you cannot simply start with innovative processes like reablement, you need the rearrangement and trust of the complete society for its implementation.

The Danish model, with its focus on reablement and patient empowerment, serves as a powerful example of how healthcare systems can evolve to meet the needs of an aging population while maintaining high standards of care and compassion. This visit has undoubtedly sparked new ideas and approaches that will influence the future of elderly care in the Netherlands and beyond.