Family care as a way of life
The family caregivers participating in the pilot – Maila Anttila, Kirsikka Kaila, Elise Liikala, and Ulla Pohjanmaa – had long hoped for the introduction of this service in Helsinki.
Elise Liikala, the caregiver with the most experience, has worked with clients outside Helsinki for several years. She is delighted that the service is now available to Helsinki residents, as she has witnessed its positive impact on both the elderly and their families. Elise's spouse has been an essential support in this work. Organising family care always requires the commitment of the entire family.
“A suitable rhythm for us is that I work as a family caregiver in our home for two weeks, round the clock, and then take two weeks off. Managing a family home would not be possible without the support and involvement of my spouse,” says Elise.
Like Elise, the other caregivers also provide care in their homes, emphasising how the work can be tailored to fit their personal lives. They have the flexibility to adjust aspects such as the pace of care and the number of clients.
“The work requires a big heart and a genuine desire to connect with people. When the elderly stay with us, their slower rhythm brings a certain calmness to the home, which creates a more relaxed pace for me, too,” says Kirsikka Kaila.
Meeting the elderly and seeing the world from their perspective inspires new ideas in me as well.
For Maila Anttila, family caregiving is not just a job but a way of life, with a sense of responsibility for the care provided. She notes that even small things can be meaningful to the elderly, and family care often allows for these small details to be incorporated.
“Meeting the elderly and seeing the world from their perspective inspires new ideas in me as well,” says Maila.
Family care requires openness and trust
There is no specific educational or work background required for family caregivers, but they must complete training, and their home must be suitable for providing care. Family caregivers are paid according to agreements with the City of Helsinki. A single caregiver may have up to four clients at a time. Strong trust between the family caregiver, the client, and their loved ones is crucial.
“The first meeting is all about getting to know one another. Family care only begins once we’ve found common ground and feel comfortable with the collaboration. At its best, family care fosters long-term relationships,” says Ulla Pohjanmaa.
“Instead of referring to someone as a client, we prefer to think of them as a family member,” adds Elise Liikala.
“When we have a new family member, it’s vital that everyone in the household, whether living there permanently or temporarily, feels safe and that their needs are considered. Open communication with relatives is also essential.”
Building on experiences for the future
The pilot, which began in October 2024, will run until the end of March 2025. Feedback from both family caregivers and the elderly will be used to refine and establish the service in Helsinki.
So far, the results have been promising.
“It seems that family care can complement existing senior services by offering personalised care in a homelike environment,” says Project Specialist Heidi Haulismaa, who developed the family care model for the elderly in Helsinki.
Family care for the elderly is being enhanced through a sustainability project aimed at improving wellbeing and proactively preventing potential issues. This project is part of the Sustainable Growth Programme for Finland, funded by the EU Recovery Plan Next Generation EU. The programme is coordinated by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health and is being implemented by all wellbeing services counties, as well as the City of Helsinki.
