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. The changed situation may be hard. In that case, don’t hesitate to reach out because help and support are available. On this page, you can find information on different forms of support and services that you can get even before becoming an official informal carer.
Peer support and information
Associations and organisations in the Western Uusimaa region offer peer support, information, courses and recreation for anyone who is helping a loved one. Other people in a similar situation can offer support and advice and even become lifelong friends. Don’t hesitate to join the activities and contact your local association or organisation.
Ovet-valmennus
The Ovet-valmennus® coaching offers useful information on helping a loved one, applying for services and finding answers to questions about your personal well-being. The coaching is free of charge and open to everyone who is helping a loved one. Ovet-valmennus® is a concept developed by the national Carers Finland association, organised by carer associations throughout the year in different regions.
Wellbeing
It is essential that you look after your own wellbeing when caring for another. Did you already know that you can easily find services provided by municipalities and associations with the search engine on our wellbeing pages? And that you can get tips for promoting your wellbeing from Olkkari activities organised by the Western Uusimaa Wellbeing Services County? The wellbeing webinars of Carers Finland are aimed at anyone caring for a loved one. Check out the links below and find services that support your wellbeing.
Rehabilitation courses and supported holidays
You can apply for an informal carer’s rehabilitation course by the Social Insurance Institution of Finland (KELA) if you assist or care for a loved one daily and experience related stress. Loma ja Terveys ry organises supported holidays for informal carers and the persons they care for in cooperation with Carers Finland. The holidays are meant for people with low income who need a supported holiday the most. Read more about rehabilitation courses and holidays in the links below. Applying for courses and holidays does not require an agreement on support for informal care.
Help with everyday life
There are many kinds of help available to support your changed everyday life. It can be practical help, or advice and guidance from a professional, or other support, such as a volunteer or friend who can lend a friendly ear, share encouraging words or spend a few moments together.
Acting on behalf of another person
To make it easier to act on behalf of a loved one, you should arrange the necessary authorisations and continuing powers of attorney as soon as possible. Being married or an informal carer does not give you the right to manage the affairs of the other person. Read more about acting on behalf of another person and continuing power of attorney in the links below.
Care allowance
Your loved one may be entitled to care allowance for pensioners or disability allowance from Kela if they have a long-term illness or disability. You can apply for these allowances online or with a paper application from Kela.