Denmark Is Running Out of Care Workers — What That Means for All of Us

A new national report has put hard numbers behind what many municipalities already know: Denmark is heading toward a serious shortage of social and healthcare workers (SOSU). By 2035, the country could be missing nearly 24,000 workers in this essential sector — a gap that could impact everything from elder care to in-home support services.

This isn’t a distant future problem. The pressure is already building — and the consequences will be felt by families, local communities, and newcomers navigating life in Denmark.


Why Is This Happening?

Several factors are converging:
• Denmark’s population is aging. More elderly citizens means more people needing daily care, rehabilitation, or home help.
• Fewer are choosing to enter SOSU training programs. The field struggles with recruitment and is facing tough competition from other sectors.
• Many workers are leaving. High workloads, stress, and low pay have made retention a serious challenge.

The result? Municipalities are already seeing gaps in staffing — and the outlook only grows more critical from here.


Who Will This Affect? (Spoiler: All of Us)

If you think this only concerns healthcare institutions, think again. This will touch everyday life — especially in small towns and rural areas.
• Families may be expected to do more as the public system stretches thin. That means more pressure on relatives to become informal caregivers.
• Newcomers looking for work may find opportunity in this sector — but also need proper support and clear pathways to get certified.
• Elderly citizens could face delays or reduced services, whether they live in their own homes or in care facilities.
• Municipalities may need to rethink budgets and housing models, especially as demand for in-home services grows.


A Sector in Crisis — Or an Opportunity for Change?

The numbers may be grim, but they also present an opportunity: to revalue care work, improve working conditions, and open new doors for people ready to step in — including those arriving from abroad.

At ALVIWO, we see this as a wake-up call.

Whether you’re:
• Considering a future in the care sector
• Helping a parent age safely at home
• Moving to Denmark and looking for meaningful work
• Or just trying to understand how local services are changing…

This shortage will affect you.



What Can Be Done?

Experts point to three key areas:
1. Recruitment – more visibility, support, and access to SOSU training programs.
2. Retention – better pay, conditions, and career development to keep people in the field.
3. Innovation – new ways to deliver care, including international recruitment and community-based solutions.

ALVIWO is already looking at how we can support people navigating these systems — whether through guides, job orientation tools, or partnerships with local municipalities.


Want to Stay Informed?

We’re following this issue closely — and we’re committed to helping people make sense of the opportunities and challenges ahead.

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Let’s build a Denmark that takes care of its people — and values the work behind it.