päiväkäynti

Päiväkäynti is a term used in Finnish health and social care to describe a daytime visit by a care worker or other professional to a client's home. The purpose is to support independence, safety and well-being, and to provide practical assistance, social contact and monitoring of health and living conditions. It is typically part of kotihoito (home care) or supported by municipal services, and may be offered to older adults, persons with chronic illness or disability, or individuals recently discharged from hospital. The service is distinct from overnight or 24-hour care, as it occurs during daytime hours and usually involves shorter visits; it often complements other services such as day activity centres (päivätoiminta) or temporary residential care.

A care plan is drawn up after an assessment and specifies visit frequency, duration, and tasks, which may include help with personal care, medication reminders, light domestic tasks, meal support, transportation to appointments, and safety checks. The visits also provide social interaction, reducing isolation and enabling informal caregivers to take breaks.

The implementation and funding may vary by municipality and by provider. Regulations emphasize client rights, privacy, and the professional qualifications of staff. The term and its exact service level may differ between regions and care contexts, and is sometimes described simply as home care visits rather than a separate service.