Cuts to elderly care funding raise concerns in Finland over quality and accessibility

Cuts made by the government are adversely affecting the most vulnerable elderly individuals. According to Anni Lausvaara, Director of the Finnish Association for Senior Citizens, these reductions particularly weaken the situation of low-income seniors. The government decided during Tuesday’s budget session to lower the staffing ratio for around-the-clock care for the elderly from 0.65, which equates to 6.5 caregivers for every ten clients, to 0.6, or six caregivers for the same number of clients. Lausvaara expressed concerns about the potential decline in care quality as a result of these changes.

Additionally, the government is set to implement cuts to the household deduction, reducing the amount that can be deducted in taxes for household, care, and nursing work from 60% to 40% by the end of the year, following the expiration of a temporary increase. Further cuts to the household deduction are also anticipated, with details to be confirmed later. Lausvaara noted that reducing this deduction complicates the procurement of home care services, placing greater burdens on family caregivers.

Anna-Liisa Jaatinen, an 89-year-old resident of Kuopio, has been utilizing the household deduction to receive in-home physiotherapy services twice a week. From the start of this year, physiotherapy was included under the household deduction. Before this, it was reimbursable by Kela until 2023. Marja Korhonen, CEO of Fysiosenior, noted a significant increase in the popularity of physiotherapy services among the elderly following the deduction’s inclusion. However, Jaatinen fears that the upcoming cuts will mean fewer physiotherapy sessions, which are essential for her mobility and desire to remain living at home. “Is it fair to take so much away from the elderly?” Jaatinen questions.