Study reveals social exclusion risks for elderly in Finland due to inadequate home care services

A study from the University of Eastern Finland highlights that inadequate home care services increase the risk of social exclusion among the elderly. The multidisciplinary research focuses on home care for seniors from the perspective of social isolation. It consists of three parts, with further studies scheduled for the future. The initial phase investigated the extent of social exclusion among seniors receiving home care and identified factors linked to this phenomenon.

The findings indicate that elderly individuals receiving home care often lack adequate support and services, putting them at risk of social isolation, particularly in their relationships and outside activities. Researchers express concern that current home care services do not sufficiently address the needs of seniors living at home, especially as several welfare areas are implementing budget cuts to these services.

Elisa Tiilikainen, who leads the project, emphasizes that by law, home care should also include support for activities of daily living and interpersonal interactions. Tiilikainen notes that the focus of home care has narrowed to basic daily tasks, failing to provide comprehensive and individualized support for seniors’ home-living.

The study involved feedback from 599 regular home care clients and 366 users of support services aged over 65, gathered through surveys in Northern Savonia and Kainuu in 2022. Results reveal that nearly one-third of participants experience loneliness frequently or constantly, and one in five feels that home care does not provide sufficient everyday support. Additionally, 25% reported inadequate assistance for activities outside the home, and about 50% faced financial difficulties.

The research identifies a subgroup of seniors with numerous health issues who make extensive use of social and health services as particularly vulnerable to simultaneous exclusion across various life domains. The findings could inform the improvement of home care practices, legislation, and services aimed at the elderly, funded by the Academy of Finland.