Remote home care gives you the freedom to live in your own home
Aaro Harjanne, 98, has been using remote home care for a couple of years and warmly recommends it to people younger than him, as well. Aaro’s family members also praise the functional connection with their loved one.
"What was it like before remote home care," recalls Aaro Harjanne's son, Risto Harjanne. At the time, the family contacted the father, who lived 100 kilometres away, by phone, but the reception was poor and it was hard for them to hear each other.
Although Aaro has access to a wide range of services, he spent many lonely moments waiting during the week.
"I was unaware of my father's condition and constantly worried," Risto recalls.
But for the past few years now, everything has been different. Aaro has been able to enjoy remote home care and thus smooth contact with his family members. Remote home care refers to a service in which home care visits take place via a video connection.
"It's great that family members can also make video calls to the remote device. Through the device, the sound is very clear and I can see how my father is doing. We can not only talk through the screen, but also show each other photos and go through many everyday things from invoices to letters. You can connect to the other side of the world if need be," Risto praises the service.
No social media skills or special technical skills are needed. The remote home care device that the senior can borrow is easy to use. You can make calls and answer them at the touch of a button, and you can also program an automatic answer.
Familiar nurses feel like family members
Remote home care interacts with Aaro on four days a week when other service providers are not present.
"There are three remote nurses in Lohja who have already become familiar to me. It's so nice to see a familiar face. The nurses are like family members. It's nice to talk to them and catch up. I'm very happy," Aaro says with a smile.
Remote nurse Jaana Nurmi explains that it is important to monitor the senior’s condition in addition to chatting with them.
"During the conversation, we ask questions about taking medicines and eating. Remote home care supports the senior’s independent management and thriving in everyday life," says Jaana.
For Aaro, most important thing is to be able to live independently in his own home.
"I like being able to live freely in my own home through remote home care, while also having access to services. Thanks to remote home care, I feel safe. If I didn't answer the phone at the scheduled times or I had some other emergency, I know that the nurse would come and call for help quickly."
Joy and security in everyday life
When Anneli Rautiainen, 88, from Tammisaari, talks about remote home care, her eyes light up.
"I have been able to use remote home care for a year now. Even though I have a lot of friends and my family of three children and seven grandchildren, remote home care calls are needed. I'm Karelian, so I enjoy people's company and when I get talking, there’s no stopping me," Anneli says, laughing.
Anneli receives a call from home care once a day, and a home care nurse visits Anneli on-site in her home once a week. On Mondays, there is also a remote group led by daytime activity instructors where participants can chat with other seniors and hold quizzes, among other activities.
At the moment, there are two remote nurses working in Raseborg who have become familiar and close to Anneli.
"It’s not just about chatting and exchanging news. The nurse asks me about my health and also checks if I have remembered to take my medicine, for example. Through a video call, a familiar nurse quickly notices if something is wrong."
Anneli has an active life, visiting a senior club on a weekly basis, as well as spending time outdoors with a family member or nurse and going shopping.
"If I know I'm going out to run errands, I’ll report it to remote home care. This way, nurses don't have to worry if I don't answer an incoming call," Anneli says.
Miia Törmänen, who works in home care and remote care in Raseborg, specifies the role of the nurses.
"Remote calls often reduce contact with specialised medical care as clients feel that their daily lives are safer. If anything stands out in the senior’s condition, we ask the field nurse to visit the client. If necessary, we will call an ambulance. In case the senior does not answer the call, we will quickly make a visit, also informing their family members."
Access remote home care through Senior Info
Clients can apply for the remote home care service through the Senior Info. Sometimes, the client relationship starts through the team responsible for discharging the patient after a hospitalisation period.
"The remote home care service is always connected to a client relationship with home care, and physical home visits can be arranged for clients according to their needs. Each client is an individual, and home care services are adapted to suit them. Remote home care is also suitable for older people with memory disorders," says Miia Törmänen.
According to Anneli, it would be worthwhile for more seniors and their families to see the opportunities offered by remote home care.
"I don't think everyone knows about this wonderful service yet. You should definitely try remote home care. My loved ones can take care of their busy work and everyday family life knowing that I am well. This allows me to lead an independent life in my own home. What could be better?"
If you would like to know more about remote home care, please join our information events:
Lohja, Siuntio
Wednesday 20 March, 18.00–19.00
Place: Assembly hall of the Senior Service Centre, Ojamonkatu 34 Lohja
Vihti-Karkkila
Wednesday 3 April, 18.00–19.00
Place: Nummela Public Office Building, Asemantie 300
