Long-Term Elderly Care, Family and Money in Ageing Finland

Abstract

In common with other European countries, Finland faces multiple challenges in providing its ageing population with adequate, sustainable and rights-friendly services. This contribution focuses on long-term elderly care from the perspective of family law and solidarity among family members. The contribution explains the legal basis for the right to care at national level, the most important care models used, how care is paid for, as well as noting the main problems and challenges faced within the current system. We also assess the ways in which the funding basis of long-term care could be broadened in future in the event of older people’s own property being used to a greater extent in funding care expenses, and discuss the pros and cons of this approach. Finally, the contribution notes the ongoing but subtle development of Finnish legislation towards greater emphasis on home care and individual networks of people in need of care—the ‘family presumption’ that inevitably leads to family members playing an increasing role in elderly care.