As an informal carer for a loved one

You should consult your case worker if your family member's condition deteriorates to the extent that you are no longer able to take care of them at home.  

If you decide to apply for  housing services, wellbeing services county's (or City of Helsinki`s) social welfare services will carry out an assessment of your family member's situation. It is also possible to organise assisted living at home with various support measures. These include e.g. personal assistance, a safety phone, family care and night-time care. The availability of support measures varies by wellbeing services county.  

If your application is approved, the wellbeing services county must arrange the housing services without undue delay. If your family member needs 24h care, they may be entitled to 24-hour service housing. If they can manage at home with added services and rehabilitation, these can be organised immediately.  

The informal care agreement will conclude at the end of the month in which your family member transfers to external care due to their health, and informal care is no longer needed. You will be paid the informal care allowance until the end of the agreement.  

A family member’s deteriorating health can cause a lot of worry. You might feel guilty about no longer being able to care for your loved one.   

It is important that you find support to talk about your own feelings. You can discuss your personal support needs with your case worker, who can refer you to the appropriate services. There are also various peer support groups where you can find others who are going through similar emotions and issues. As a carer, you should also discuss any changes in your situation with the cared-for person and other family members and friends, and accept help where possible.