Kotipalveluita

Kotipalveluita are home-based support services provided to residents who need help with daily activities to live independently at home. They are organized and financed primarily by municipalities as part of social welfare and health care services, and private providers may also offer these services under municipal contracts or client choice.

The services usually include practical assistance with daily tasks such as cleaning, laundry, cooking, shopping, and transportation, as well as support with daily routines, meal preparation, home safety, and companionship. In many cases, tasks requiring nursing or medical skills are handled by kotihoito (home care) staff and are not part of kotipalveluita.

Access to kotipalveluita begins with an assessment by the local social services or a care assessor, who determines the level of support needed and prepares a service plan. Services are individually tailored and may be provided on a daily, weekly, or as-needed basis. Clients contribute to the cost of services according to municipal guidelines; the remainder may be subsidized by the state.

Providers can be municipal employees or authorized private service providers. Municipalities monitor quality and safety; clients may have the right to choose between different providers where available. In Finland, the system emphasizes enabling people to stay living at home for as long as possible and to integrate support with health and rehabilitation services.

The term and scope can vary by municipality, reflecting local demographics and policy choices. Kotipalveluita form part of the broader concept of care in the home and the aging-in-place strategy within the Finnish social welfare and health care system.