Vanhukset

"If you want to succeed, ask three old people for advice."
(Chinese saying)

Services for the Elderly

When the health and functional capacity of elderly people deteriorate, they are entitled to many kinds of social and health care services. Such services and benefits include, for example, housing allowance for pensioners, pensioners’ care allowance, home services, home care services, meals services, bathing, transportation services and home modifications. The right to some benefits is dependent on how long the elderly person has lived in Finland. Municipal and private homes for elderly people look after those who can no longer live in their own home without assistance. Service apartments are also another good alternative. This means that the elderly live in an apartment where they can receive different services and help. If family members take care of an elderly relative at their home, they may be eligible for informal care support. Many municipalities organise day-time activities for the elderly. Day-time activities are held in service centres and they can include, for example, hobby groups, rehabilitation and exercise. Taking part in day-time activities brings variation and recreation to the life of an elderly and helps them make new friends.

More information on the services for the elderly in your area is available e.g. from the local Social Services Office.

More information on the services for the elderly are available on the website of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health.

Several organisations and associations also offer services, for example The Central Union for Alzheimer (Muistiliitto), the Pensioners’ Union (Eläkeliitto), The Central Union for the Welfare of the Aged (Vanhustyön keskusliitto) and religious communities. The Central Union for the Welfare of the Aged provides information on the services provided by different foundations and organisations and the home service provided by the union.

Some organisations provide individual support services. A support person is a volunteer friend who visits those in need of a friend or who are otherwise lonely. See e.g. the friend service of the Finnish Red Cross.

The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland also arranges activities for the elderly. Ask for details at your local parish.

Are you looking after an elderly relative at home?Does caring for your relative require extensive commitment and a lot of work on your part? The Support for Relatives of People Requiring Care part of the Info Bank contains useful information and links on the support available for relatives of people requiring care.

Concerned about your memory? The Katoavatko sanat? (Losing words?) guidebook in the following languages: Finnish and Russian

The guidebook also contains information on many services for the elderly.

Old Age Pension 

The amount of pension also depends on how long you have been living in Finland. Not all immigrants, therefore, are entitled to an old age pension. More information is available on the Social Insurance Institution website in Finnish, Swedish and English. 

More information on pensions is available on the Pension page of the Info Bank.