Päivähoito

Päivähoito is a Finnish term referring to daytime care services provided for different age groups and needs. It is part of the municipal social and health care system and is designed to support families balancing work or study with caregiving, as well as to provide structured daytime activities for those who require supervision or assistance during the day. The term covers services for children, as well as for older people and adults with disabilities.

For children, päivähoito encompasses early childhood education and care. Common forms include päiväkoti (daycare centers) and perhepäivähoito (family day care). Päiväkoti offers full- or part-time care and early education aligned with national curricula, typically for children from infancy up to school age. Perhepäivähoito involves a registered caregiver hosting a small group of children in a home setting. Access and hours are arranged through the municipality, and fees are generally based on family income.

For adults and older people, päivähoito often refers to päivätoiminta or day centers that provide daytime supervision, social activities, meals, and sometimes rehabilitation or respite care. These services aim to reduce isolation, support independent living at home, and provide relief for families and informal carers.

Funding and access are organized by municipalities and governed by national social and health care regulations. Services are primarily publicly financed, with fees adjusted according to income. Availability and specifics can vary by municipality, and care plans are typically personalized through assessments by social services.

Overall, päivähoito seeks to ensure safe, appropriate daytime care and meaningful activity across age groups within Finland’s welfare system.