‘To Live, Not to Be Treated’: Finland’s Apotti Project Enables Holistic Elder Care

In Vantaa, the fourth-largest city in Finland, adults age 65 and older make up more than 15% of the population, and services for the aging and elderly are in high demand. The new Myyrmäki Retirement Center uses Epic to provide holistic residential care through the Apotti project, which will integrate social and health care for more than 30% of the Finnish population by the end of 2021.

At the Myyrmäki facility, residents’ charts in Epic contain more than their medication lists and vitals. They also store the residents’ “Elämäni tarina,” or life story , so caregivers can converse with residents about the details of their personal history. These life stories can include biographical details, personal preferences like having their hair and makeup done every morning or their favorite type of music, and any other information the residents consider important about themselves.

Residents are engaged in their care and help set their own treatment goals, such as building the strength and stamina to visit the museums, cafes, and libraries located nearby. These goals are documented in Epic and evaluated by a care team of doctors, nurses, and physical therapists.

The center also provides social opportunities such as crafts and hobbies, gardening in the yard, and communal dining, with a primary goal of helping residents maintain a high quality of life.

“Residents will come here to live, not to be treated,” said Nina Linja, Service Manager at the Myyrmäki Retirement Center.

Read more from Helsingin Sanomat.