Older-care clients report high satisfaction in THL survey

More than half of respondents to a large Finnish survey said they would strongly recommend their older-care service, according to Yle. Most also said they received enough help and felt safe.

The Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, known as THL, received more than 40,000 responses covering over 2,200 older-care units. More than half of respondents rated their service 9 or 10 on a 10-point scale.

The results suggest that the bleak picture of older people’s care in public debate does not tell the whole story, THL special planning officer Suvi Leppäaho said. Serious shortcomings and individual negative cases understandably receive attention, she said, but positive overall results do not mean there are no problems.

THL’s survey asked about the adequacy of help, safety, whether staff take residents’ wishes into account and how likely respondents were to recommend their service. For round-the-clock assisted living, it also asked about food and recreational activities. THL found room for improvement particularly in recreation and outdoor activities.

Esperi care home Kyllikki in Jyväskylä was among four round-the-clock assisted-living units that tied for the highest score. The others were Attendo Omenapuisto in Vaasa, Palvelukoti Hopea in Vantaa and Esperi care home Joutsenon Suvanto in Lappeenranta.

Kyllikki unit manager Minna Aspholm said she did not know why the care home scored so well. She suggested that its small size, home-like atmosphere, long-serving staff and central location may have contributed. The home’s rooms are about 30 square metres, and Aspholm said a staff member is always nearby for residents who need substantial help with daily tasks.

Residents and relatives praised the familiar staff and the smaller, less institutional setting. Aspholm said everyday life at the care home includes meals, activities, time outdoors and conversations with residents.