‘We have an obligation to support our elderly. That is why the government has presented the Eldreløftet commitment, with new and strengthened initiatives focused on housing, staffing and quality, hearing, and activity. The aim is to mobilise the efforts of the elderly and secure a future for our older generation,’ says Minister of Health and Care Services Jan Christian Vestre.

As part of the government’s Eldreløftet commitment, the following allocations are proposed:

  • NOK 3,365 million as a commitment framework for investment grants for nursing home places in 2026, corresponding to roughly 1,500 places.
  • NOK 89 million in new subsidies from the Norwegian State Housing Bank for private individuals to upgrade or adapt their own homes to make them more age friendly.
  • NOK 60 million for a new activity grant aimed at voluntary and non-profit organisations to stimulate activities for the elderly.
  • NOK 38 million for measures to improve the availability of staff and competence development within hearing care.

‘We need the elderly. They are a resource that both can and want to contribute. We will ensure that the elderly have safe homes, access to assisting support and aid technology when needed, and opportunities for activity and inclusion in everyday life,’ says Vestre.

Hearing aid guarantee

  • Elderly who need it will have access to a hearing aid within four months.
  • NOK 28 million for competence-building measures within hearing care.
  • NOK 10 million to increase the number of study places on the bachelor’s programme for audiologists at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology by 10 from 2026.

Housing grant

The elderly who need it will receive financial support to make their homes more age friendly. This could include moving everything to one level, replacing a bathtub with a shower, installing handrails and better lighting, or removing door thresholds.

The grant will cover 25 percent of costs, limited to a maximum of NOK 75,000 per household. In addition, favourable loans may be obtained through the Norwegian State Housing Bank. The Housing Bank will also administer the grant.

Activity grant

The government seeks to mobilise the elderly in cooperation with NGOs and non-profit organisations and organisations working for the interest of the elderly population. The elderly both can and want to contribute, and by inviting partnerships, the government aims to support more activities, better opportunities, and activity into old age.  

The grant aims to reach NGOs and non-profit actors offering activities for the elderly. It should also support services that strengthen and relieve carers.

Investment grants

The investment grant aims to encourage municipalities to renew and expand the provision of places in nursing homes for those who need round-the-clock health and care services.

In 2026, the government will facilitate investment grants for around 1,500 places. For municipalities to build better, faster, and more affordably, the government aims to simplify the regulations.