Hoitotarpeisiin

Hoitotarpeisiin is a Finnish term that describes an individual's need for help or supervision in daily life and health matters due to aging, illness, disability, or other functional limitations. In Finnish health and social care, hoitotarpeisiin serves as a central basis for planning services and supports a person-centered approach to care. The level of care need can be temporary or ongoing and may involve assistance with daily activities, medication management, rehabilitation, and safety measures at home or in care facilities.

Assessment and services commonly involve professionals from municipal social welfare and health care, sometimes with input from primary care and rehabilitation services. The assessment examines activities of daily living (ADL) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL), medical needs, living conditions, and social support networks. Based on the assessment, the municipality determines eligible services, such as home care (kotihoito), domestic assistance, supported housing, or residential care, and may arrange assistive devices or home modifications. Financing is primarily municipal, with possible subsidies or reimbursements from Kela for certain services and for informal caregivers through allowances.

Impact and policy considerations include using hoitotarpeisiin to evaluate service needs, plan care pathways, and monitor capacity and staffing in health and social care. The concept also highlights the role of informal carers, such as family and friends, and the importance of support and respite services to maintain carers’ wellbeing. Overall, hoitotarpeisiin underpins resource allocation, service design, and governance within Finland’s care system, aiming to balance safety, independence, and quality of life for individuals.