Concerns raised over elderly care oversight in Finland following reports from Pietarsaari

Experts believe that there are systemic issues in the oversight of elderly care across Finland. Descriptions of conditions at a care home in Pietarsaari exemplify these concerns, according to gerontology professor Marja Jylhä from the University of Tampere and the elder affairs ombudsman Päivi Topo. A recent article featured three anonymous caregivers who reported poor hygiene, inadequate medication management, and chaotic staffing situations. A doctor who worked at the facility confirmed these accounts.

Jylhä and Topo expressed deep concern over the revelations, noting, “It sounds remarkably serious, almost like a horror story. I don’t believe this type of neglect is widespread, but unfortunately, I don’t think it’s uncommon in other care homes either.” The care home operator, Esperi Care, has denied the allegations of neglect, claiming that no such incidents occurred and that previous shortcomings have been addressed. However, the company plans to initiate an external investigation.

Current legislation emphasizes self-regulation, requiring care facilities to monitor their own quality of care, a practice Jylhä criticizes. “It’s a bad idea to prioritize self-regulation. It’s peculiar for a system to audit itself,” she said, urging for more stringent oversight and surprise inspections.

Top concerns were also raised about the challenges residents face when defending their rights, especially given dementia and other health issues that hinder their ability to do so. Both Jylhä and Topo highlighted that the prioritization of cost over quality in procurement processes leads to deficiencies in care. While non-profit care homes often provide excellent services, many are struggling to survive financially amid competitive pressures.