Finland study shows elderly care workload surges, many staff consider quitting

A new Nordcare longitudinal survey, published by the University of Jyväskylä, reveals a sharp rise in workload for Finnish elderly‑care workers. The questionnaire, answered by 3 650 home‑care and round‑the‑clock staff, shows that around 60 % have contemplated leaving their jobs – up from roughly 21 % in home care and 27 % in continuous care two decades ago. Respondents cite increasing care demands, higher client complexity, and dwindling resources as key stressors, warning of risks to staff wellbeing and service quality.

The report calls for immediate corrective action, quoting Professor Teppo Kröger: “Kehityssuunta on käännettävä välittömästi.” Positive notes include a rise in permanent contracts and higher qualification levels among workers, but the overall trend points to a negative feedback loop threatening the sustainability of Finland’s elderly‑care sector.