Lapha prepares elderly care restructuring in Kemi-Tornio area
The Lapland Welfare Region (Lapha) is preparing to reorganize long-term institutional care, 24-hour service housing, and hospital ward operations in the Kemi-Tornio area. In the summer, the regional council decided to close 31 long-term care places at the Tornio Suensaaren service center and 29 places at the Nestor nursing home in Kemi. No new placements for long-term care have been made since July 1, 2024.
In November, the regional council will consider a proposal regarding the restructuring of elderly housing services in the southwestern area, which includes a replacement plan for the closed long-term care spots. This may involve residents moving to 24-hour service housing units operated either by Lapha or private social service companies. However, the final decision will lie with the regional council.
Similar changes were made previously by Lapha in Inari, Kemijärvi, Kittilä, Muonio, Pello, Rovaniemi, and Ranua. These plans have caused distress among many employees, as the transition to private units could lead to job losses at Lapha. For instance, staff at Nestor nursing home have appealed to the regional council to keep the facility open, stating that such closures would not benefit the elderly.
Lapha’s social director, Liisa Niiranen, emphasized that if the transition to private facilities occurs, it shouldn’t negatively affect residents, as staffing levels and standards would remain consistent across both Lapha’s and private units. Current fees will also persist, capped at 85% of residents’ incomes.
Additionally, the elderly care wards in Meri-Lappi will also undergo changes, with operations moving from the Sauvosaaren hospital and a 16-bed ward in Simo to facilities at the West-Pohja Central Hospital. The transfer is expected to occur by late next year, although specific details about the number of available beds and exact locations are still pending.