98-year-old woman 'too healthy' for retirement home
Ida Sällström, 98, is running out of energy and would like to move into a retirement home in the northern town of Arvidssjaur. But the local council considers her to be too healthy and has turned down her application.
Sällström lives in an apartment in Arvidsjaur, which she now finds too big. She also has difficulty preparing food.
On several occasions she has fallen and had to call for help.
She is disappointed with the decision from the town council.
"It is not easy to be old. My life is coming to an end, and surely I should be able to yield at some point," said Sällström.
But, according to a representative from the office of social services, advanced years do not constitute reason enough to ensure a stay in a retirement home.
"Age in itself is not one of the criteria. We always look at the full picture," said Gabriella Stockman.
For reasons of secrecy Stockman cannot comment on individual cases. But she says that council decisions can always be appealed to the county court.
"I would like to be able to enjoy this time at the end of my life," said Sällström.
"It is sometimes said that old people in Sweden have it good.
"Reality tells a different story," she added.
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Sällström lives in an apartment in Arvidsjaur, which she now finds too big. She also has difficulty preparing food.
On several occasions she has fallen and had to call for help.
She is disappointed with the decision from the town council.
"It is not easy to be old. My life is coming to an end, and surely I should be able to yield at some point," said Sällström.
But, according to a representative from the office of social services, advanced years do not constitute reason enough to ensure a stay in a retirement home.
"Age in itself is not one of the criteria. We always look at the full picture," said Gabriella Stockman.
For reasons of secrecy Stockman cannot comment on individual cases. But she says that council decisions can always be appealed to the county court.
"I would like to be able to enjoy this time at the end of my life," said Sällström.
"It is sometimes said that old people in Sweden have it good.
"Reality tells a different story," she added.
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