Denmark is turning to artificial intelligence to support its aging population. At a nursing home in Næstved, AI-powered cameras help staff monitor residents more safely, efficiently, and respectfully around the clock.
AI Watches Over Elderly Residents
At the Kildemarkscentret nursing home in Næstved, care workers can monitor elderly residents without entering their rooms. Small icons on their phones show whether residents are sleeping, visiting the bathroom, or need help. Cameras in each room use artificial intelligence to interpret movements and anonymously transmit status updates to staff devices.
The system reduces unnecessary interruptions, giving residents more privacy while ensuring immediate assistance when needed. For example, when someone falls, the system sends an alert directly to staff phones, helping reduce response times to less than two minutes in some cases.
Næstved Leads the Way
Kildemarkscentret became the first nursing home in Denmark to use AI-based monitoring three years ago. Today, all care homes in Næstved are using the same system, and several other municipalities are testing it. The success has made Næstved a national example for how artificial intelligence might secure the future of Danish welfare.
The government recently announced a national collaboration with municipalities to expand AI use across the public sector, including social care. The Ministry for Senior Citizens plans to release a nationwide strategy in early 2026 describing how welfare technology can be rolled out safely and ethically.
Better Sleep and Working Conditions
According to Næstved’s local district manager for elderly care, the technology has improved residents’ sleep, particularly important for dementia patients. Staff no longer have to open doors during the night just to check if someone is alright. It also helps reduce stress among caregivers, who can now focus more on awake residents and less on constant physical checks.
The system, developed by Danish tech company Teton.ai, uses infrared light to capture data even in the dark. The images are processed locally and immediately deleted after analysis. AI then extracts behavioral patterns such as sleep quality, movement, and toileting routines, helping staff detect early signs of illness such as urinary infections or respiratory issues.
Faster Response, Greater Safety
In the past, many residents relied on wearable alarms, which were often forgotten or couldn’t be used after a fall. Now, if a resident becomes unsteady or collapses, the system alerts caregivers immediately. That has reduced both anxiety among staff and the risk of residents lying unnoticed for hours.
Interestingly, the system does not replace human staff. While Næstved hoped to reduce night shifts, the number of employees has stayed the same. Instead, the main benefit has been higher care quality and a better work environment. Recruiting night-shift workers remains difficult nationwide, and improved technology may help make such roles more manageable.
Ethical and Legal Considerations
All residents and relatives in Næstved are informed about the AI monitoring, and participation is voluntary. Municipalities are allowed to use this kind of welfare technology under Service Law §136e, which authorizes tools that enhance safety, dignity, and care for older citizens unless the individual objects.
However, Danish authorities are now preparing a new law, expected in July 2026, to clarify the legal foundation for using artificial intelligence in elderly care. Before implementation, the Ministry for Senior Citizens will consult with municipalities, digital experts, and unions to ensure privacy protections.
For a country known for its strong welfare and healthcare system, Næstved’s pilot project offers a glimpse into how technology can help sustain social services even as the population ages.
Looking to the Future
Næstved officials admit that adopting new tools like AI requires courage. Rapid implementation may carry unknown challenges, but the alternative—doing nothing—could leave Denmark’s care sector unprepared for the rising number of citizens aged over 80 and 85.
Ultimately, technology like Teton’s system is not about replacing human contact but protecting it. By handling routine monitoring tasks, AI gives care workers more time for personal interaction and empathy, values that remain central to Danish eldercare.
Sources and References
The Danish Dream: Is Danish Healthcare Really Worth the Hype?
The Danish Dream: Best Health Insurance for Foreigners in Denmark
DR: Kunstig intelligens skal redde velfærden – AI holder døgnet rundt øje med beboere på plejehjem
