Significant decision by County Council: Home services for families with children to become free of charge
At its meeting on 9 December, the County Council of the Western Uusimaa Wellbeing Services County decided on client fees for social and health care services as of 1 January 2026. For home help services for families with children, this means that, in future, no client fees will be charged for temporary or regular home service.
What is home service for families?
Home service is a support service that assists families in their everyday life during times of stress and overwhelm.
- Temporary home service provides short-term assistance in situations such as when a parent falls ill, after childbirth or during various crisis situations.
- Regular home service offers longer-term support, for example when there is a special need for care in the family, a long-term illness or other demanding life circumstances.
The aim of home service is to safeguard children’s wellbeing and give parents practical support, for example with childcare, household tasks and managing day-to-day life.
It is important to note that home service is not granted solely on the grounds of a need for cleaning, a sudden minor illness (such as a cold), working from home, or a parent’s employment, studies, hobbies or transport needs. The need for home service is assessed together with a social welfare professional, and the service is granted to families who meet the criteria.
How to apply
You can seek the service by contacting social service counselling for families with children via:
- Lunna chat service on weekdays 8.00–16.00, or by a non-urgent message 24/7
- By phone on weekdays 9.00–12.00; tel. 026 151 2360
- Family centre
- County Council
- Decision-making