New bilingual group home for older people in Töölö – “We wanted to respond to Helsinki residents’ needs”

The 24-hour group home Rubinen opened at the beginning of August at Töölö Senior Centre. The unit is intended for older people who need extensive care. Rubinen has 10 places and was opened to meet the need for more Swedish-language care places.
Ikääntynyt mies istuu pöydän äärellä ja katsoo tavaroita.
The care provided at the group home is planned together with the resident. Photo: Kaisa Sunimento

- With the new unit, we wanted to respond to the needs of Helsinki residents. We have recruited new Swedish-speaking staff and look forward to keep offering good care to the residents, says Pia-Maria Grönqvist, Director of Töölö Senior Centre. 

The aim is to safeguard access to care in Swedish 

The new unit strengthens opportunities to receive care in one’s mother tongue. A bilingual team works at Rubinen and is jointly responsible for high-quality care and a rehabilitative way of working. The activities provided at the group home are based on the Finland-Swedish language and cultural background.

Rubinen was opened in the former short-term care premises. There has been a greater need for 24-hour care than for short-term care. For this reason, Töölö’s short-term care unit Palmu was closed, and Rubinen opened in the same premises.

 Chefen för Tölö seniorcenter Pia-Maria Grönqvist sitter på en soffa och ler.
Director of Töölö Senior Centre Pia-Maria Grönqvist. Photo: Kaisa Sunimento

Focus on good quality of life for residents

At Rubinen, older people live in a safe and homelike environment where their individual needs and wishes are at the centre. Care is planned together with the residents and is based on respect for self-determination.

Everyday care supports wellbeing through a clear structure and opportunities for both community and personal space. The proximity to parks, services and good transport connections contributes to a pleasant and meaningful everyday life for the residents.

Töölö Senior Centre

Töölö Senior Centre is centrally located near the Opera House and the Olympic Stadium. The senior centre offers diverse services for older people and serves as an important meeting place.

Would you like to know more about the Swedish-language services at the senior centre? Contact Senior Info, tel. +358 (0)9 310 44556, or Töölö’s social instructors, tel. +358 (0)9 310 33040 and +358 (0)9 310 46638.