A new alert system at an elderly care home in Espoo, Finland, failed to notify staff for over a year, resulting in a resident's death after multiple emergency calls went unheard.
A tragic incident highlights significant failures in the alert system at Attendo's Olarinpuisto care home in Espoo, Finland. Despite implementing a new resident alert system in February 2024, an investigation revealed that night-time alerts had not reached caregivers for over a year. This was discovered in March 2025 when it became clear that an elderly resident had made 11 emergency calls within an hour, but none were responded to because the phones meant to receive these alerts were switched off.
The situation prompted an official complaint to the Southern Finland Regional Administrative Agency, following which the West Uusimaa welfare area assessed that residents' safety at night had been compromised for more than a year. Tragically, the involved resident passed away on January 25, with the circumstances surrounding the death leading to criminal investigations for involuntary manslaughter and endangerment. The elderly person's pleas for help went unheeded during critical moments, raising serious questions about the effectiveness of the safety protocols in place at the care home.
As authorities continue their probe, the case draws attention to broader issues within elderly care facilities in Finland, particularly related to emergency response systems. The implications of this incident could potentially prompt policy changes and a reevaluation of existing safety measures to ensure that vulnerable residents receive timely care in urgent situations. This incident underscores the urgent need for rigorous oversight and accountability within the healthcare system, especially for those caring for the elderly who rely on efficient emergency response mechanisms.
