Concerns at a nursing home in Helsinge, Denmark, have sparked serious reactions among members of the Danish Parliament (Folketinget). Residents facing unacceptable care conditions and distressed staff members have led to sharp criticism and scrutiny. Kirsten Normann Andersen from the Socialist People’s Party (Socialistisk Folkeparti) has deemed the situation intolerable, stating that such a standard of care cannot be accepted in Denmark.
Pia Kjærsgaard from the Danish People’s Party (Dansk Folkeparti) plans to visit the nursing home and intends to address the situation directly with the Minister of Health. Helene Mariehjemmet (Helene Marie Home) opened in February and is now facing allegations of neglecting its residents. Family members have described alarming conditions where residents were found soaked in urine and covered in feces. Several former employees have joined the chorus of criticism against the nursing home.
The home’s director, Camilla Woller-Nielsen, denies any systemic neglect, labeling the incidents as isolated cases. However, this explanation has been rejected by Pia Kjærsgaard, who argues that the apology is insufficient given the severity of the reported conditions.
It is noteworthy that a new elderly care reform was adopted only a few months ago. Kirsten Normann Andersen believes that addressing these issues requires hiring more skilled professionals and improving interdisciplinary collaboration. Marlene Harpsøe from the Denmark Democrats (Danmarksdemokraterne) calls for caution regarding new regulations and emphasizes the importance of management responsibility and oversight functions.
Elderly Affairs Minister Mette Kierkgaard has ensured that regulatory oversight is aware of the situation and expects improvements at the nursing home. Ulla Agerskov, the director of Helene Mariehjemmet, assures a willingness to engage in dialogue with politicians and is looking forward to visits to discuss and resolve the issues at hand.