According to a report by the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, the family care model for the elderly has seen a significant increase within welfare areas in Finland. The report notes that approximately 4,500 elderly people were receiving family care services two years ago, with nearly half benefiting from home-based care provided by visiting family caregivers, while about one in ten lived permanently in family care homes. This data highlights a growing recognition of the value of personalized care solutions for the ageing population.

However, despite the increase in family care services, the use of family caregivers remains marginal. The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health's report emphasizes that while there has been a slight uptick in the number of family caregivers utilized, the progress is not substantial enough to suggest a major shift in care practices. The persistence of marginal use signals potential barriers in fully harnessing family-based care options that could offer tailored support for elderly individuals in their communities.

This situation raises important questions regarding the future of elderly care in Finland and the policies that govern it. As the aging population continues to grow, it is crucial for stakeholders to analyze the effectiveness of existing care models and to consider how to better integrate family caregivers into the overall care system. The report serves as a call to action for policymakers to explore ways to enhance family care provisions, ensuring that elderly individuals receive the best possible support in familiar environments.