A safe and fulfilling life

Gun doesn’t speak as much anymore. A few years ago, she developed dementia, which has gradually affected her ability to find words. But when her husband Allan starts singing, she follows along—and the twinkle in their eyes appears in both of them.

Allan Dickman lives in the assisted living facility Å-center. His wife Gun lives in the adjacent care home at Å-gården. The two buildings are connected by an underground corridor, allowing Allan to visit Gun as often as he likes—without even going outside. Sometimes, with the help of their son, he brings Gun over to his apartment at Å-center.

At Å-center, Allan has neighbours to socialise with and activities to join if he wishes. Living there gives him, as a relative, the opportunity to rest and take care of himself, while Gun receives professional care and supervision around the clock.

"This really is the best solution I could imagine. We see each other almost every day", says Allan.

Shared experience and knowledge

During our visit, Allan and several other residents gather for a mid-morning coffee. Around the table sits a wealth of life experience—people from Boden who have helped build the society we live in today. There are entrepreneurs, sports leaders, radio hosts, politicians and care workers.

The conversations move between joy and sorrow, laughter and seriousness. One of their friends recently passed away and is deeply missed at the coffee table and during chats on the balcony.

Kerstin Smedberg is a long-time resident who fought to be able to move here and has lived here since it opened. She often organises small get-togethers for her friends. Birger Westerlund is newly moved in and warmly welcomed into the community. Annika Öhman says she feels much better since moving here. Britt-Marie Blomkvist shares that she has found love again at Å-center.

The group feels like any circle of friends. Some step outside for a smoke, others head into town on their mobility scooters.

"I never thought I would have it this good in old age", says Anna-Lena Vestin.

They all agree that having this type of housing in Boden means a great deal and warmly recommend it to others.

One of the first in Sweden

When the assisted living facility in Boden opened, it was one of the first municipally assessed assisted living facilities in Sweden.

In this type of housing, you live in your own apartment and receive help from home care services when needed—just like in a regular home. The difference is that there are also shared spaces, organised activities and an activity coordinator.

In short, there is always someone to talk to—and neighbours close by.

Would you or a relative like to know more about assisted living? You can find more information on Å-center’s page. Applications are made through the Municipality of Boden’s social services unit, which can be reached at +46 921 627 08.

This news article was also published in Boden Bild issue 2–2025. Curious about more news from Boden Bild? Explore the full collection. External link.