The West Uusimaa police have launched an investigation into the death of an elderly person at a care home in Espoo, which occurred on January 25. They are now suspecting a crime related to the case, with charges under consideration for manslaughter and endangering safety. A police spokesperson, Commissioner Jyrki Kallio, reported that one individual has already been questioned as a suspect, and several others will be interviewed as the inquiry proceeds.

Moreover, alongside the investigation, a separate inquiry into the cause of death is underway, with details being kept confidential as authorities seek to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the incident. The care home has been under scrutiny since the end of January when the operating company, Attendo, acknowledged previous issues within the Olarinpuisto care facility, where the resident who died had reportedly called for help eleven times without receiving assistance due to phone malfunctions.

This troubling case raises significant concerns about the safety and quality of care in such facilities, especially in light of the acknowledged failures by the care home that led to this individual’s tragic death. The implications of this incident could prompt broader discussions around regulatory oversight and accountability in elder care services across Finland, as well as potentially leading to reforms if negligence is determined in these preliminary investigations.