Pirkanmaa welfare region faces scrutiny over elderly care regulations in Finland

The Pirkanmaa welfare region (Pirha) has failed to comply with legal regulations regarding 24-hour service housing for the elderly, as revealed by a decision from the Parliamentary Ombudsman. This ruling addresses guidelines concerning around-the-clock service housing for seniors. According to the decision, elderly clients in the welfare region have been forced to wait over three months for 24-hour care without legal justification. Such services should be provided without delay.

“We take this decision very seriously. We will review it thoroughly and amend our guidelines as necessary,” said Taru Kuosmanen, the Director of Social and Health Services for Pirha. She noted, however, that there is a conflict between funding legislation and service regulations, which requires welfare regions to reform their service structures and practices.

Pirha announced plans to clarify its guidelines in accordance with the Ombudsman’s ruling. Currently, the welfare region claims that 97.5% of clients can access 24-hour care within three months and that nearly 60% can do so in less than a month. Waits exceeding three months typically occur voluntarily, as clients or family members prefer to select a specific facility that does not have available spots at the time of application.

In May, Yle reported that Pirha had amended its guidelines on elderly care housing due to incorrect terminology used in the original document. The news is ongoing.