Palvelutalo

Palvelutalo is a Finnish housing concept that combines independent living with on-site services and access to health and social care. Residents typically live in private apartments or studios within a larger building or campus and can receive help with daily activities as well as coordinated care when needed. The model aims to support autonomy while ensuring safety and access to support services.

The services offered in a palvelutalo can include meals, cleaning, laundry, maintenance of apartments, 24-hour on-call assistance, and regular visits by care staff. In many cases, health and social services such as home care, rehabilitation, and medication management are organized through the building’s operator or the local municipality. Service levels and on-site facilities can vary between providers and municipalities.

Ownership and funding arrangements are diverse. Palvelutalot can be operated by municipalities, housing associations, or private companies. Residents usually pay rent and service fees, with some subsidies or support arranged through municipal social or health care services. Eligibility is typically linked to the need for assistance with daily living activities rather than the need for full-time institutional care, and admission often involves a referral from social services.

Relation to other care options: a palvelutalo sits between ordinary independent housing and more intensive forms of care such as nursing homes. It is designed for people who require some assistance but wish to remain living independently. The exact model, services, and eligibility criteria can differ by municipality and operator, reflecting local policies and resources.