Living Safely and Well: A Resident's View on Service Apartments for the Elderly

While many elderly individuals express a desire to remain in their own homes for as long as possible, the reality of declining health and increasing loneliness often necessitates a reevaluation of living arrangements. This perspective, shared by a reader in Helsingin Sanomat, emphasizes the importance of proactively considering alternative housing options before decisions are made by others.

The author recounts a year-long positive experience living in a service apartment in Helsinki. Despite not utilizing all available services, the resident finds the accommodation safe, community-oriented, and well-connected. The availability of social programs like chair exercises, concerts, and sing-alongs, along with the ease of visits from friends, contributes to a feeling of security and belonging. A small monthly fee for an alarm bracelet further enhances this sense of safety.

Before committing to the costs of home care, the author recommends visiting local service apartments and speaking with residents about their experiences. The transition involved emptying and selling a former home, an emotionally taxing process. However, the author now focuses on living a quality life in a supportive environment, finding that the service apartment provides a secure and engaging place to spend the remainder of their life.