Informal Carer’s Pathway
Informal Carer’s Pathway
This site is especially aimed at informal carers of older people, but the information collected on the site may also be useful for other informal carers and people helping their loved ones. The Informal Carer’s Pathway is being put together in 2025–2026 by a project titled Informal Carer’s Pathway supporting the informal carers of older people (Omaishoitajan polulta tukea ikääntyneiden omaishoitajille). The project receives discretionary government transfers from the health promotion appropriation granted by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health.
Are you caring for a loved one?
When a loved one becomes ill, injured or disabled, responsibility for everyday life and care often gets shifted to their loved ones. In that case, don’t hesitate to reach out because help and support are available. On this page, you can find information on services and support that you can get even before becoming an informal carer officially.
Applying for support for informal care
Are you and your loved one applying for support for informal care? On this page, you can find more information on support for informal care, the criteria for granting the support and applying for it.
Official informal care starts
When you have entered into an agreement on support for informal care with the wellbeing services county, you are entitled to informal carer’s leave in addition to the informal care fee. On this page, you will find more information on the informal carer’s leave and other matters related to official informal care.
Harder times of informal care
Informal care may become harder, more demanding and more time-consuming over time. On this page, you can find useful information for the harder times of informal care.
Informal care ends
Ending informal care is a major life change that evokes many kinds of emotions and forces the informal carer to adapt to a new situation. After informal care ends, it is important to seek support and help so that you are not left alone with your feelings. On this page, you can find information and support for the stage of life after informal care ends.