Finnish care inspections reveal staff shortages and poor language skills endangering elderly patients

Finnish authorities have uncovered serious deficiencies in elderly care services, including chronic understaffing and inadequate language skills among personnel, the National Supervisory Authority for Welfare and Health (Valvira) reported Wednesday.

A spring inspection found many care units operating at the legal minimum staffing levels, while language barriers—particularly between Finnish-speaking supervisors and non-Finnish-speaking caregivers—raised concerns over patient safety. In memory care units, miscommunication risks were deemed especially severe, potentially compromising treatment.

The report also flagged gaps in staff training and competence, with Finnish-speaking employees questioning whether non-Finnish colleagues fully understood instructions. Among the most alarming findings was the improper use of physical restraints on a patient.