Carr Gomm staff attends Peer Learning Visit (PLV) to rural Sweden.
The European Commission, through the European Social Network, awarded Carr Gomm a Peer Learning Visit to Hoganas in Sweden.
Anne-Louise Hayden, Senior Operations Manager for Rural Services, and Andrew Thomson, Deputy Chief Executive, as part of our International Collaborations project, visited Sweden last month for a jam-packed two-day visit to learn about social care in Hoganas and build international connections.
Anne-Louise reflects on her experience and what knowledge she has gained from attending the Peer Learning Visit:
“I have always believed, and deeply valued the power and impact, relationships can have, particularly where there is shared passion and values. Following a recent visit to Hoganas in Sweden to meet representatives of Hoganas Omsorg and Hoganas Kommun, it really confirmed what I already knew to be true and highlighted just how much we can learn through sharing our knowledge and experiences.
Accompanied by Andrew Thomson, our Deputy Chief Executive, I was privileged to have the opportunity to participate in a peer learning visit to Hoganas in Sweden, a municipality (local authority area) in the south of Sweden. Home to over 28,000 people, 7,600 of whom are aged 65 years old and over. The visit was made possible by funding provided by the European Social Network (ESN), giving both myself and Andrew the opportunity to gain experience from peers in Hoganas about how they are using digital innovations to enhance social care support provided to older people and to use this learning in taking forward our strategic objectives surrounding digital technologies and innovations, sharing our experience, and learning from others.
Hoganas Omsorg is a social care organisation wholly owned by the municipality, providing support to over 400 older people within their own homes and an emergency alarm service to a further 700 people. Accompanied by our very generous host Camilla Lindgren (Head of Care for Older People), Andrew and I were given an invaluable opportunity to not only learn about the work of Hoganas but to experience it ourselves. Accompanying staff members and meeting a few of the people that benefit from the support provided by the organisation.
Ahead of my visit, I had anticipated that social care support in Sweden might look quite different to what we know in Scotland; what struck me during my time there however, was that we have more in common than not. In discussing our shared experiences as well as some of the challenges about how best to support an ageing population, what was palpable was the shared commitment of both our organisations to ensuring people can live their best lives, in the way they want to and in the place they want to.
Hoganas enjoys a good socio-economic status, and as a chosen retirement destination for many people across the area, this isn’t without its challenges. During the period 2021-30, it is anticipated that there will be an 87% increase in those aged 80 years+ and only 12% growth in those of working age (20-64 year olds). In light of this, like Carr Gomm, Hoganas Omosrg isn’t standing still. As an organisation, they are continually seeking ways to develop, innovate and work collaboratively with partners to find new solutions and ways of supporting people to age well and live as independently as they can, for as long as they can.
On the first morning of our visit, Andrew and I accompanied staff members Jack and Janetta, visiting people at home and helping them start their day. I had the pleasure of meeting Ulla, a 92-year-old woman who was recovering from two recent strokes and a fractured hip. I was humbled by Ulla’s zest for life and how, despite having had some major setbacks in life, she was determined to regain her fitness and independence so that she could continue to live well at home. During my visit, staff supported Ulla in completing her daily exercises, with both Ulla and staff talking about how important this was in being able to continue to enjoy a good quality of life.
The importance of movement and exercise and the difference this can make was evident in the support Ulla was receiving. This highlighted how fortunate we are in Carr Gomm to have the support of our colleagues in Health by Science and the benefits our Move to Improve programme has for people we support, enabling them to maintain or regain movement, which is so important to people like Ulla.
In delivering services, Hoganas Omsorg is continually seeking new and innovative ways of supporting people and its workforce. Andrew and I saw innovations such as digital locks, operated by an app on staff’s mobile devices to securely enter people’s homes, with not a key safe in sight. Digital View, equipment that supports individuals to stay safe and well overnight, by enabling staff to carry out virtual check-ins via a 360◦ view camera, meaning people do not have to be disturbed unnecessarily.
In the quest to be at the forefront of digital innovation in social care, Hoganas Kummon is part of the ACE project, which is accelerating the home innovation ecosystem in the North Sea region. 
The project brings together 14 partner organisations from six European countries (Sweden, the Netherlands, Denmark, Belgium, France and Germany). The project seeks to connect innovators in the digital and technology sector with organisations such as Hoganas Omsorg. With the aim of testing and upscaling over 30 innovations that directly address the needs of people who require care and support.
On the second day of our trip, we were fortunate to be able to attend an ACE showcase event where we had the opportunity to meet with over twelve organisations involved in researching and developing digital solutions. From equipment such as a battery-operated mechanical toilet seat to a sophisticated VR headset designed to support and encourage movement and exercise, it was clear just how much innovation has a role to play in supporting the delivery of social care.
The experience I have gained from my time in Sweden has been amazing. The generosity of our hosts in sharing their hospitality, experience and learning has been extremely powerful. I look forward to sharing much more of our experiences not only with colleagues throughout Carr Gomm but with our commissioners and peers within the sector here in Scotland”.
Thank you to the European Social Network for making this Peer Learning Visit possible!
Visit our International Collaboration page to learn more about our international project and other peer learning visits.