For all these years, the twist bowl was displayed so that the residents of the Balestrand health center could have a surprise whenever they wanted.
But a little while ago it ended abruptly. Because for health reasons it is only allowed to browse on weekends and holidays, Sogn Avis might say. They were the first to mention the case.
– I’m a little bored, he’s a little mean. I feel we are treated like little children who are not spied on on a daily basis, Anne Lise Feten tells the newspaper. Feten is one of four patients in the green ward, which is the rescue and rehabilitation ward. There, employees also react to the fact that the snop bowl is now open on weekdays.
– They have worked and toiled all their lives, so they should be able to have some fun, Malene Tjugum, who works in the green department of the health center in Balestrand, tells the newspaper.
Remember that malnutrition and poor appetite are a major problem among the elderly
– Then it is stupid to take away the little joy, for example, of drinking a chocolate with your coffee, says Tjugum.
Local politicians support the elderly
– An assault and excessive oversight of the worst kind, tells NRK Rita Navarsete, who is the local council representative for the Progress Party.
The fact that the elderly at the Balestrand health center no longer receive Twists and cookies has sparked strong reactions.
– Older people have the legal right to decide on their daily life. But that right is violated by many municipalities. This according to Bente Lund Jacobsen, representative of the elderly.
It could break a years-long habit for older people who have moved into their last home.
Health not money
The municipality stresses that the measure does not concern savings, but health.
Head of services in the municipality of Sogndal Hanne Hoff says there has been a misunderstanding about the whole thing.
– The elderly will have access to gadgets, but they will not always be exposed.
To Sogn Avis, he says the municipality is responsible for ensuring that patients receive the right diet according to the recommendations of the Directorate of Health.
Continued access to sweets can also lead to decreased appetite and malnutrition, and we recommend four good meals a day, plus dessert, says Hoff.
He adds that if patients wish, they can have sweets, especially on birthdays or visits.
