hoitopalveluiden

Hoitopalveluiden, in Finnish commonly referred to as hoitopalvelut, denotes the range of professional health and social care services designed to support individuals’ daily functioning, health, and well‑being. Services are delivered both at the client’s home and in institutional settings such as care homes, shelters, or day centers. The aim is to enable independence, prevent deterioration, and provide necessary medical and practical support.

In Finland, hoitopalvelut are organized primarily by municipalities within the social and health care system. Municipal authorities are responsible for planning, funding, and coordinating services, often contracting private or non-profit providers to deliver them. Multidisciplinary teams, including nurses, social workers, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and care workers, work together to meet individual needs. Person‑centered planning is emphasized, with assessments leading to tailored care plans.

Typical services include home care (kotihoito), personal assistance with daily activities, medication management, meal services, and domestic help. Rehabilitation services, such as physiotherapy and occupational therapy, are common, as are respite care, day activity centers, and short- or long-term residential care for those who cannot live independently. Palliative and end‑of‑life care is also provided within appropriate settings.

Access to hoitopalvelut generally begins with an assessment by social services or health care professionals, followed by a care plan and service decisions. Funding is mainly municipal, with client fees based on income and household circumstances. Private payment and service vouchers may supplement publicly funded options. Quality and safety are regulated under national laws and supervisory authorities, with ongoing monitoring and quality improvement efforts.