Largom is the Swedish mantra, meaning not too much and not too little, where the right amount is best and moderation is the key, a more manageable, way of life, which requires subtle changes in routine to create greater balance.
The Largom care home, can be described as one where the environment is full of natural light, neither too minimalist or fussy and overdone, often much use of restrained white or light walls in muted tines to create a sense of the natural, or a little haven from the busy world outside. There was also a good touch of Danish Hygge. This means cosiness of the soul with a sense of intimacy, often seen by the wide use of candelight and a place to have conversation over tea or coffee. In Sweden, if accompanied by being invited to enjoy cake its called Fika. Again it’s the balanced way of life that celebrates what makes quality of life, cosiness, intimacy of the home environment, accompanied with good design. Some of this was experienced from a short visit to a care home just outside Rimforsa.
Although the floor reflection and lack of contrast maybe things we might comment on the feeling of the home was relaxed, welcoming and very typically Swedish in its use of furniture, bench styles with bright cushions, very common in traditional homes, along with small tables and side lights with a plant.
Seeing staff doing activities near to the reception was a natural part of the ‘Under Nurse’ role. These are the staff who work in nursing homes in Sweden. They have a three-year training and work with one or two registered nurses. There are no care staff as such in Swedish care homes. They realise the importance of everyone having a good job that is recognised and equips them to do the job properly- something very close to my heart and ethos:
There were lots of artefacts and signs of personalisation and connection with the outdoors with fresh flowers picked from the garden
On an occasional table nearby sat a large photo album with all the family prepared by the daughter.
This was well used as Anne-Marie showed me proudly pictures of my Grandson, her Great Grandson.
It was our first time of meeting, so it was quite a moment for us both. As both my English parents are no longer with us it was the only surviving great grandmother along with my husband’s French mother who lives in Surrey. My brother in law lives in Norway so we have quite an international family.
The self-contained rooms had some noteworthy design features such as the bathroom sliding doors
They may appear clinical to us, but with the predominance of IKEA type furniture influence it is a normal part of Swedish homes, with simple lines and functional design. They love a ‘white and clean’ look, sitting alongside homely pieces of furniture. The room was roomy and contained a compact kitchenette, with adequate space. This is particularly and useful for when relatives come and can make a drink with their family member in their room without bothering staff.
There are rugs on the floor and each person has their own pieces of furniture alongside a high low bed and fitted kitchen unit with locked medication cabinets which are in each room alongside a ‘wet room’ with plenty of turning spaces. All the laundry is washed is managed in the bathroom with a machine tucked behind the entrance door, to keep everything close to the resident.
Conclusion:
The care home environment was calm and seemed to be well staffed and there was a quiet flow of the day. The public places reflect the Scandinavian spirit, where the resident living with dementia appeared relaxed and connected to her wider family alongside the easy relationships she appeared to have with the staff who respectfully treated her daughter as a member of the community- perhaps a good example of a relationship centred approach. The environment was spacious, light and simple, but with examples of the old blending with the new, with functional and practical design features built in - all reflecting Swedish Largom.
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