Finland’s nursing home places increasingly scarce as cost-cutting reduces round-the-clock care

Finnish public broadcaster Yle reports that access to 24-hour residential care for the elderly has become significantly harder due to budget cuts by regional welfare authorities.

The reduction in round-the-clock care—traditionally provided in nursing homes—has left many elderly individuals without adequate support, despite their inability to manage at home. As an alternative, authorities have promoted communal living arrangements, but these have faced criticism over serious shortcomings, including reports of unqualified staff and inadequate care for residents with dementia.

Yle is investigating the current state of elderly care and invites those affected to share their experiences via a form on their website.