The construction of a new service home in Jakomäki is now complete, providing a home for 104 residents. The first residents will be able to move into their new homes during the September.
“The new building is really beautiful, both inside and out. The wooden materials and use of colour make the rooms feel warm, cosy and comfortable,” rejoices Service Home Director Annika von Mend.
“I particularly like the restaurant area. It has a hight ceiling and it’s spacious, and we also able to bring a work of art with us from the former Vuorensyrjä Service Home.”
Each resident will have an apartment measuring around 25 square metres, with their own bathroom. The group homes also feature a communal kitchen, comfortable lounges and a balcony.
“Residents are free to furnish their apartments to suit their own tastes. It’s important that a home also feels like a home. The rooms are equipped with picture rails for hanging items such as wall rugs or paintings,” von Mend says.
Each group home also has a sauna that can be heated according to the residents’ wishes.
“The sauna facilities are very beautiful. Each sauna also comes with a balcony for cooling down. If a resident would like to go to the sauna, we will do our best to arrange it as soon as possible.”
The service home’s new courtyard offers plenty of space for socialising and spending time outdoors. The courtyard features a jogging track, seating, a stage and a barbecue shelter. One of the director’s favourite facilities is also found there.
“The pier in the courtyard is wonderful. It has a similar atmosphere to a summer cottage,” Annika says.
There are around 100 professionals working in the building, comprising nursing staff, therapists and instructors. In addition to 24-hour housing, the building will also host day activities for the elderly.
At Jakomäki Service Home, the residents lead an ordinary life, with its ups and downs. Friends and family play an important role in the residents’ lives and day-to-day routines.
“We want to get to know our clients – what they like, what their favourite food is, and what matters to them. Family members play a vital role here, particularly if the client has dementia,” von Mend says.
“Residents can also participate in the planning of their own and the community’s everyday life to the extent they wish. For example, the service home has a residents’ council and a group that organises events and group activities,” she continues.
Friends and family are always welcome to visit.
“We don’t have visiting hours. We hope that friends and family will be involved in our clients’ everyday lives as much as possible. They can also stay overnight,” Annika says.
A service centre will also open in the premises of the service home in September. It will serve as a low-threshold meeting place for pensioners and unemployed people in Helsinki. There, you can join hobby groups, go to the gym, talk with a social instructor or meet up with friends.
“We will have an open doors day at the service centre on 24 September from 13.00 to 15.00. Come and explore our facilities and services,” says Service Centre Coordinator Tarja Taimisto.
Local residents have also expressed wishes regarding the service centre’s activities.
“The new premises have attracted a lot of interest, which is great. We will aim to meet our clients’ requests wherever possible. We also welcome suggestions for improvement and requests in the future,” von Mend says.
“Come and visit us,” she says finally, waving from the entrance to the service home.