Norway allocates 60 million kroner to fight loneliness among its elderly
The Norwegian government plans to spend NOK 60 million in the state budget for 2021 to work against loneliness and isolation among the elderly during the coronavirus pandemic.
Leader of the Christian Democrats (KRF) and Minister for Children and Families Kjell Ingolf Ropstad told Vårt Land about the budget allocation during a visit to Fagerborghjemmet in Oslo.
Out of the total, NOK 20 million will be used to strengthen nursing home activities, while NOK 20 million will be used to find more eating company for the elderly.
Relief and voluntary support
Lastly, NOK 15 million will be used for relief for those older Norwegians living at home who take care of their partner, and NOK 5 million will go to voluntary and non-profit organizations.
“Despite strict infection control measures, there are many activities that can be carried out. However, there will be additional burdens because there is more chaos, and it costs more money for the institutions and municipalities. Therefore, we want to make it easier for more people to contribute through these schemes,” Ropstad said.
Minister of Agriculture and Food Olaug Bollestad (KrF) also took part in the visit to Fagerborghjemmet.
© NTB Scanpix / #Norway Today
