Elderly Safety in Jeopardy – Talentia Opposes Staffing Ratio Reduction in Elderly Care Services
Cutting services for the most vulnerable elderly individuals is ethically wrong and contrary to the values of Finnish society. Reducing staffing ratios in elderly care services would also undermine the sector’s appeal.
Talentia, Union of Professional Social Workers, opposes the reduction of staffing ratios in elderly care services.
The government is pushing for a change in the Elderly Care Act that would set the staffing ratio in 24-hour care units at 0.6 employees per client. Currently, the ratio is 0.65, and it was intended to rise to 0.7 at the beginning of 2028.
24-hour service housing is designed for older adults who cannot manage at home and require continuous care and support for multiple concurrent reasons. Many also find home care services to be insufficient.
– This legislative change jeopardizes the well-being and safety of these individuals. The staffing ratio was initially set for the sake of client safety after several cases of elderly neglect in care homes came to light, reminds Talentia’s Senior Specialist Jaana Manssila.
Talentia considers it ethically unsustainable for the government to cut services for the most vulnerable elderly individuals. Savings are unlikely to materialize, as observations indicate that those waiting for a 24-hour care spot increasingly end up in hospital and health center wards.
– As a result, we find ourselves in a situation where social services do not adequately meet the service needs of elderly individuals. Many will be denied their right to a dignified life. Is this in line with the values of our society?, Manssila asks.
Working Conditions Deteriorate and Professionals’ Workload Increases
Lowering staffing ratios will worsen the working conditions and well-being of elderly care professionals.
– The workload increases when there are too few staff relative to clients’ needs. Sickness absences are on the rise, and the risk of premature disability increases. This affects the sector’s ability to attract and retain staff, Manssila states.
According to the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL), 93 percent of 24-hour care units currently meet the 0.65 staffing ratio. However, based on news reports, this positive development appears to have stalled. The positive impacts on client safety are at risk of collapsing.
As staffing ratios decrease, the importance of self-monitoring increases. Manssila emphasizes that welfare regions and service providers must raise the minimum staffing levels if client safety and the best interests of clients demand it.
– Self-monitoring also includes ensuring that employees have the right to fulfill their duty to report any issues or threats to clients’ services, she states.
This news has been translated from Finnish to English by AI assistance.
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