No two life situations are the same – especially when care needs to match life. Some may be in the midst of an illness and in need of support or round-the-clock care right now. Others may feel a growing concern about the future – for their parents, a partner, or even themselves.
In both cases, the same question often arises: How can we ensure the right care – and what is the best solution for me?
In Denmark, we are used to care and nursing being handled by the public healthcare system. But in recent years, more and more people have also discovered the possibilities within private care – where presence, flexibility, and familiar faces can make a meaningful difference, no matter the situation.
But what is the actual difference between public and private nursing care? And how do you know which solution best fits your life and your needs?
In this article, we aim to clarify just that. We’ll guide you through the different options – without making the decision for you. Because in the end, this choice is deeply personal – and unique for each of us.
Private nursing care is an alternative – or a supplement – to public healthcare, where you as a patient or relative have direct influence over how the care is organized.
Rather than being part of a municipal system where visitation procedures and fixed schedules often define the framework, private nursing care starts with you – offering a tailored care plan based on your needs and preferences.
This means you’ll have a dedicated team of nurses who know you and understand your situation. The care takes place in your own home – on your terms and at your pace.
It may involve just a few hours of support during the week, or more extensive 24-hour care. Some people also need help with very specific tasks – such as individuals living with dementia or Parkinson’s disease, where daily structure and medication management are crucial.
Some choose private nursing as a helping hand during times of transition, while others have long-term needs – for example in relation to palliative care, terminal care, or hospice at home.
Here’s a quick overview of what you can expect from private nursing care – both the benefits and the aspects worth considering.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| You’re met by the same, familiar nurses – relationships are central | Private nursing care is not publicly funded and requires out-of-pocket payment |
| Support is adapted to your needs and your pace – not the other way around | Requires an active decision and planning by you or your relatives |
| You decide when and how the care takes place | Not everyone needs the flexibility that private care offers |
| There is time for conversation, calm, and presence in everyday life | May require coordination with public nursing services if you’re using both |
| No waiting lists – care can begin when you’re ready | Availability may vary depending on where you live |
| Possibility of 24-hour care, even in complex illness | Often requires involvement from relatives in both decision-making and planning |
| High flexibility if your needs or condition change | Many are not aware this option exists, which can create uncertainty |
| Greater calm and continuity in daily life – especially important in the final phase of life | You are responsible for ensuring the service aligns with your wishes and values |
Public nursing care is part of the Danish welfare system and is provided free of charge through your local municipality or region. For many, this is the most common type of support – whether it involves daily care, medication management, or help following discharge from the hospital.
Support is granted based on assessed needs, and it’s the municipality that determines what type of assistance you or your loved one is entitled to receive.
Nurses come to your home, but it’s typically different professionals you’ll meet each time, depending on staff schedules and available resources within the public system.
Public nursing care can be a great help – especially for those with temporary care needs.
Public nursing care is, for many, the natural first choice when support becomes necessary.
But like any solution, it comes with both advantages and limitations. Here’s a quick overview:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Free of charge through the public system | Support is granted through assessment – you don’t have full control over type and scope |
| Nationwide service with access to many specialized professionals | You often meet different staff depending on shift schedules |
| Well-suited for temporary or urgent support | Care and visit times are usually scheduled and fixed |
| Easy access via your doctor or local municipality | Limited flexibility when it comes to personal wishes and needs |
| Good coordination with the wider healthcare system | Less continuity and limited time to build relationships |
| Covers medication support, nursing care, and rehabilitation | Some experience it as fragmented and rushed |
| Suitable for many types of care needs – including dementia and Parkinson’s | May require adjustment, especially during longer or more vulnerable phases |
It’s not just about practical needs – it’s also about values, personal wishes, and life circumstances when choosing the type of care that’s right for you.
Some people need flexibility. Others find comfort in the structure and security of the public system.
Here is a side-by-side overview of how private and public nursing care differ – and how they may also complement one another.
| Description | Private Nursing Care | Public Nursing Care |
|---|---|---|
| Access | Privately paid (may be covered by insurance) | Free through the municipality or region |
| Control | You decide the content and scope of the care | The municipality grants care based on assessed needs |
| Staff | A dedicated team of familiar nurses | Varying staff depending on shifts |
| Flexibility | High flexibility – care can be adjusted as needed | Care is provided according to fixed schedules and guidelines |
| Time & Presence | More time per visit and fewer tasks per nurse | Shorter visits with more tasks per shift |
| Coordination | Direct contact with your dedicated team | Coordinated through the municipality |
| Best suited for | Long-term or complex care where calm and continuity are essential | Temporary or less complex needs |
| Can be combined? | Yes – can supplement public care | Yes – can be supplemented with private care |
*Note: Many families choose a combination of both models – for example, during 24-hour home care or in palliative situations where needs can shift over time.
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution. What matters most is that the support feels right for you – both practically and on a human level.
Many find that combining public and private nursing care gives them the flexibility and peace of mind they need, especially during periods of increased need.
Yes – it absolutely can. And many already do.
For some, the public support isn’t enough in terms of time, presence, or the level of care needed. In these cases, private nursing can be an important supplement.
Others turn to private care during particularly vulnerable periods – for example, after hospital discharge, in terminal care, or as part of palliative care.
It can also be a great relief for relatives when a dedicated team of private nurses brings calm, reassurance, and a sense of structure to an otherwise hectic and unpredictable time.
Combining public and private care allows you to tailor a solution where the support truly fits your life – and not the other way around.
If you or someone close to you is facing a situation where home care is needed – either temporarily or over a longer period – it may be worthwhile to explore both public options and what private nursing care can offer.
A care plan can be put together in many ways, depending on your situation and needs. This includes your health status, everyday resources, and the type of services already approved by the municipality.
You can read more about public terminal care at Sundhed.dk, or explore recommendations from Ældre Sagen and Kræftens Bekæmpelse.
Today, more and more people choose to combine public support with private nursing – especially when flexibility and continuity matter most.
This doesn’t only apply to end-of-life care but also to long-term conditions such as dementia or Parkinson’s disease, where stable and trusting relationships can make all the difference.
In the end, what matters isn’t whether the care is public or private – but whether it fits the life you’re living.
Here we’ve gathered some of the most common questions – to help you get a clear overview and make the decision that best suits your situation.
A public nurse works within the municipal healthcare system and provides care based on an assessed and approved need. A private nurse is chosen and paid for by the individual or their family, and the care plan can be tailored with more flexibility and continuity.
Yes. It is possible to combine both types of care. Public support is granted by the municipality, while private nursing care can be added if there is a need for extra help, special requests, or more consistency.
The price depends on your needs, the duration, and the type of support – for example, whether it’s daily assistance or 24-hour-care.
It’s recommended to contact the provider directly to get a clear overview of prices and available options.
No. Private nursing is used in many situations – for example in relation to Parkinson’s disease, dementia, or long-term conditions where continuity and presence are important in everyday life.
Palliative care focuses on relieving symptoms and improving quality of life for those with serious illness – often over a longer period. Terminal care is provided in the final phase of life and focuses on comfort, dignity, and relief. [Read more about the difference here.]
If you wish to combine public and private support, you generally need to coordinate the services yourself. It’s a good idea to get an overview of the municipal services already in place – and then explore how a private care plan could complement them.