Päivätiloja

Päivätiloja are Finnish day services that provide care, support, and social activities for older adults and people with disabilities who are otherwise able to live at home. The concept arose in the 1960s as part of a broader shift in social policy toward integrating care into the home environment rather than housing individuals in residential institutions. Päivätiloja operate under municipal responsibility and are regulated by the Finnish Social Insurance Institution (Kela) and the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health. They are open during daytime hours, offering a range of activities such as exercise classes, hobby groups, meals, and individual support for personal care, medication assistance, or rehabilitation. Professionals employed at a Päivätila typically include nurses, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, and trained aides, and the setting is designed to foster independence while ensuring safety. Clients can receive services for a few hours a week or all day, depending on their needs, and the schedule can be adapted to accommodate part‑time or full‑time participants. Päivätiloja serve a dual purpose: they provide respite for informal caregivers and prevent or delay the transition to residential care facilities. The effectiveness of Päivätiloja is supported by studies showing improved quality of life and reduced hospitalization rates among users.