Understanding the 'Every Day Counts' Strategy 2025–2028
The Swedish government launched its second national dementia strategy, 'Every Day Counts: National Dementia Strategy 2025–2028' on January 22, 2025. This updated strategy follows the previous framework from 2018. The 2025–2028 plan includes specific timeframes, evaluation goals, and an expanded scope covering health, medical, dental care, and prevention.
The Four Overarching Goals
The strategy is guided by four main goals to improve health and social care. It prioritizes individualized care, coordinated services that are health-promoting, evidence-based practice by staff, and ensuring sufficient support for relatives.
Key Initiatives and Focus Areas
The strategy outlines several key initiatives and financial commitments. This includes SEK 100 million for 2025–2027 to support regional efforts in elderly care, assignments to government agencies to improve care and dental services, and funding for the Swedish Dementia Centre (SDC) to enhance knowledge dissemination. SDC was founded in 2008 and provides knowledge to professionals and families. Funding is also allocated for national quality registers, and the strategy includes a focus on prevention and measures to improve coordination.
Shared Responsibility: Municipalities, Regions, and Family
Dementia care in Sweden involves shared responsibilities. Municipalities are responsible for day care, home help, residential care, and supporting family caregivers, while county councils handle screening, diagnosis, and medical treatment. Family caregivers provide essential emotional and practical support.
| Aspect | Municipalities | County Councils (Regions) | Family Caregivers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Responsibility | Day care, home help, residential care, support for family caregivers. | Screening, diagnosis, medical treatment. | Provide emotional and practical support, requiring access to adequate support. |
| Funding | Primarily fund social services. | Fund medical care. | Often a voluntary role, with some municipal support. |
| Initiatives | Implement person-centered practices. | Collaborate on care plans. | Focus of the national strategy to ensure necessary support and knowledge. |
Technology and Research
The strategy highlights the importance of digitalization and technology. Funding for national quality registers like SveDem and the BPSD registry supports research and understanding of dementia. The Swedish Dementia Centre also plays a key role in applying research findings.
Challenges and Future Outlook
Challenges remain in consistently implementing national guidelines across different municipalities and regions. However, the updated strategy includes clearer goals and funding to address these inconsistencies. The focus on prevention and dental care is a proactive approach to dementia as a public health issue. Organizations like Demensförbundet also contribute through advocacy. The strategy's success depends on ongoing collaboration. For information on broader European initiatives, visit the Alzheimer Europe website.
Conclusion
The Swedish national dementia strategy for 2025–2028 is a comprehensive plan to improve the lives of individuals with dementia and their families. With its focus on person-centered care, coordination, evidence-based practices, and expanded prevention efforts, Sweden aims to create a more supportive environment. Strategic investments in national centers and quality registers underscore the country's commitment to advancing dementia care and research.
