Workers suspected of secretly filming residents at Kouvola care home

Employees at a care home in Kouvola are suspected of secretly filming residents during care, including while changing their incontinence pads, Yle reports. The alleged filming took place at Mainiokoti Koski, which provides round-the-clock supported housing for older people in Myllykoski.

Iltalehti first reported the case. According to the newspaper, some residents were filmed in situations where they could be identified. Two people are suspected of unlawful observation and disseminating information that violates privacy. The case has moved from the police’s preliminary investigation to consideration of charges. Yle said it had not yet reached the police for comment.

Mainiokodit business director Satu Ahola confirmed to Yle that residents were secretly filmed at the Myllykoski unit and said the company was sorry. She said the conduct violated the company’s rules on treating residents with respect and protecting their privacy, and was not acceptable under any circumstances.

Ahola said staff receive data protection guidance during induction and training, and that the rules are reviewed regularly. She did not directly answer when or how the guidance was breached. Iltalehti reported that employees had been dismissed over the filming, but Ahola did not confirm this. She said the company had intervened through management and made necessary reports to the authorities.

The Licensing and Supervisory Agency said on Tuesday that it had received several reports of care staff filming people with dementia or other vulnerable clients without permission. In some reported cases, clients were photographed or filmed without clothes. The agency said such conduct breaches professional duties and violates clients’ self-determination and privacy.

Mainiokodit provides housing and care services for older people and is part of the Mehiläinen Group.