Families Raise Concerns Over Nursing Home Conditions

Family members of residents at a nursing home in Krokom, Jämtland, have voiced serious concerns regarding the care provided at the facility. Johan Larsson traveled from Södermanland to visit his grandmother, Ingrid Svensson, only to discover that she had passed away days earlier without any notification to her family, despite them being registered as her closest relatives.

Upon arriving at the facility, Larsson and his brother were met with confusion from the staff, who mistakenly inquired if they had come to clean out Ingrid's room. Larsson expressed his disappointment, stating that the situation was not what he would have wanted for his grandmother, who had been reported to be in poor health prior to her death.

In a disturbing turn of events, it was reported that the newly constructed nursing home had experienced a mouse infestation, with traps being placed in communal areas such as the dining room just before Christmas. One employee noted that the mice had been seen throughout the facility, particularly at night.

Forenede Care, the company operating the nursing home, promotes Tullkvarnsvägen as a modern facility with inviting common areas, including a terrace and garden. However, many residents have commented that the advertised views of the mountains are obstructed by deforested land and sloped terrain.

In recent years, multiple complaints have emerged about various nursing homes operated by Forenede Care, with reports of serious issues at about ten percent of their locations across Sweden. Notably, Tullkvarnsvägen has faced scrutiny from the local municipality, which has imposed fines amounting to 1.55 million SEK due to identified deficiencies.

Concerns have been raised over inadequate staffing levels, insufficient training among staff, and a general lack of resources. This situation has led to extensive fines, the loss of contracts, and warnings from dissatisfied municipalities.

Michael Söderholm, whose father suffers from dementia, shared his alarming experience with Tullkvarnsvägen, recounting an incident when his father was found wandering alone on a country road, four kilometers from the facility. This led to significant worries about the safety and supervision of the residents.

Söderholm detailed discussions surrounding his father's weight loss and dental care, noting that staff attributed his reluctance to maintain oral hygiene to stubbornness, despite evidence to the contrary. After formally reporting the situation, Söderholm's father was transferred to a municipal dementia facility, where he has since regained weight and appears more content.

Family members of other residents have expressed similar frustrations regarding the care provided. Reports indicate that essential care tasks, such as nail trimming and cleaning, were not documented properly, raising concerns about the adequacy of care.

Despite the nursing home's efforts to showcase various activities on social media, many families reported that planned events were frequently canceled, leaving residents disappointed. For instance, a promised festive meal for Midsummer was replaced with a less appealing menu, leaving some families to step in and assist the staff.

Roy Sundvall, a spokesperson for Forenede Care, responded to inquiries about the reported issues, asserting that the company is committed to addressing challenges as they arise and maintaining communication with families and regulatory authorities. However, the lack of specific responses to the concerns highlighted remains troubling for many.

Forenede Care, which is part of a larger Danish organization, operates numerous care facilities across Sweden, with revenues reported at 1.66 billion SEK in 2023. The company aims to provide high-quality care while remaining competitively priced.