Alert Raised About Abuse in Home Care – Accused Allowed to Stay on the Job

In late summer and autumn of 2025, both home care clients and relatives raised the alarm that a male substitute worker in Gällivare’s home care services had allegedly subjected several elderly women to sexual harassment and physical abuse. Despite repeated warnings, no deviations were documented, and the man was even offered a permanent position, which he initially declined but later received in another department.

It was not until January the following year that the municipality took any action, after a relative questioned why nothing had happened. The man was then suspended, and the organization confirmed that three cases of abuse had already been known prior.

During the investigation, it also emerged that a fourth client had reported unpleasant touching, and a review showed that the substitute had been in the victims’ homes at the relevant times.

On January 16, the municipality filed a police report for sexual harassment, and two weeks later, the man was dismissed. In the subsequent Lex Sarah investigation, it emerged that the unit manager had delayed taking action while waiting for another manager to return from leave. When the unit manager left the position in November, the incidents were downplayed during the handover.

Social Services Director Helen Hagegren says she views it “very seriously” that the alarms were not reported further.

Concern Over Staff Shortages

The investigation points to a high workload and fears of staff shortages as possible reasons for the delay in measures. The delay meant that the man was able to secure a permanent position in another department, which the municipality says posed a significant risk for continued abuse.

The municipality had not requested a criminal record extract when hiring the man, something now under consideration to implement.

“It strengthens the sense of security for the elderly and their relatives,” says Hagegren.

Widespread Concern

The incident in Gällivare has caused concern among the elderly in the municipality, according to SPF Seniors’ chair Nanny Öryd. She says the issue often comes up at the association’s meetings and considers the municipality’s slow response unacceptable.

“I think you have to react immediately,” she says.

Abuse in elder care has been highlighted in several parts of the country, and the government has recently launched an investigation to strengthen security. Among other things, it will suggest ways to prevent misconduct and give the elderly the option to choose the gender of their caregiver.

“It is not a human right to work in elder care, but it is the right of the elderly to feel safe and secure with the staff allowed into their own homes,” says Minister for the Elderly and Social Insurance Anna Tenje (M).