Leena Reponen, a 50-year-old resident of Mänttä-Vilppula, Finland, found herself in a difficult situation when the welfare services in her region decided to cut down her personal assistant's hours instead of granting her request for additional support. Reponen, who has been on disability pension for several years due to several health conditions including generalized dystonia and migraine causing unilateral paralysis, relies heavily on her personal assistant for daily support. Last year, she applied for additional hours, citing a decline in her health, but was met with a denial after nearly a year of waiting.

The process has been frustrating for Reponen, who described it as shocking and exhausting, turning to various organizations for advice throughout her ordeal. She previously received 140 hours of personal assistance per month, but the recent decision by the Pirkanmaa welfare area indicates a reduction in her support, compounding her difficulties in managing her condition. This decision raises significant questions about the adequacy of support systems in place for individuals with disabilities and those in need of personal assistance.

Moreover, the shift from personal assistance to paid home services could have dire implications for Reponen and similar individuals, as it often does not provide the same level of care or personal touch needed for their specific circumstances. The incident highlights broader systemic issues in Finland’s welfare services regarding the accessibility and responsiveness to personal needs, calling for more humane treatment and re-evaluation of policies to ensure that vulnerable citizens receive the support they require rather than a reduction in assistance.