The nursing couple Meris and Michael Liborius Riemer were attracted to jobs at Lärkan Health Center and moved to Boden from Norrtälje with their three children. Here, the family quickly found a community in scouting, archery, and dance.
As Boden grows, so does the need for expertise in healthcare and social care. A clear example of Boden’s needs and appeal is Lärkan Health Center. Here, the new Boden is reflected with new Boden residents also among the staff. For the Liborius Riemer family, Lärkan’s job opportunities became the push to take the step towards Michael’s dream of northern Sweden.
“I’ve always wanted to go north,” he says.
Meris adds that the decision took a little longer for her but feels completely right now.
Both previously worked as nurses in primary care and elderly care in Stockholm. When the decision to move was made, they chose to set the moving date six months in advance to have time to finish up, hand over to colleagues, and prepare for their new life in Boden. Their three children, aged nine, ten, and 14, also needed time for adjustment, choosing schools, reviewing leisure activities, and more.
“We had a whole life there that needed to be moved.”
Fun at Work
Michael got a job at Lärkan, and Meris started working in Sunderbyn, but now she also works at Lärkan. They describe the spirit at the workplace as fantastic, with job satisfaction and a unit manager who allows staff to grow and develop in areas they are particularly interested in.
The knowledge of the pleasant working environment has spread, and employees have continuously reached out with a desire to work at Lärkan. As the patient base has grown, more people have been recruited to the staff, and the health center has been independent of temporary staff for two years. Lärkan can receive patients in several different languages, which is appreciated as it is the health center that Region Norrbotten has designated as the primary health center for Stegra’s guest workers. Many Boden residents have also chosen to register here since Lärkan opened in the renovated premises of the old Erikslund Health Center in 2023.
Favorites in Proximity Life
Here in Boden, the Liborius Riemer family quickly found new favorites. All three children practice archery and are involved in scouting, where Michael has also become a leader. One of the children practices dance. The library is a place the family visits every week, and ‘Vinterhäng i centrum’ (Winter Hangout in the city center) has been greatly appreciated. They have also discovered and tried the bike orienteering ‘Skoj på hoj’ (Fun on Wheels).
Meris also likes that there is a gym open 24/7.
“It really suits me. I want to be with the children after work and school, so I get up at four o’clock and go to the gym before work.”
Michael originally comes from Germany and Meris from the Philippines, so both have moved long distances before and have experience starting over in a new place.
“Here in Boden, it feels like we’re staying. We really enjoy it here.”
TEXT: ANNA BERGSTRÖM
