The survey shows that there is room for improvement in the sense of community. Of the respondents, 41% state that the activities of communal housing, such as clubs and events, are meaningful and suitable for them. In total, 48% of respondents found it easy to participate in the group activities. Around half of the respondents feel that there are enough activities available for them.
“Activities that promote social interaction, getting to know others, planning things to do together and generally doing things together are things we need to focus on even more in the future,” says project specialist Niina Vesa.”
“It is vital that every client has something interesting and fun to do in their day-to-day life,” Vesa emphasises.
However, 60% of residents feel at home and say that they are enjoying their time in communal housing. Furthermore, 77% say they can easily get all the services they need.
Communal housing still a relatively new service
Communal housing has been available since 2023. Communal living may be suitable for elderly people who can no longer cope at home with the help of home care and relatives, for example, but who do not yet need round-the-clock care. The residents live in senior centres in their own rented apartments.
“We currently have 53 residents living in communal housing, but the numbers are growing all the time. Communal living is offered at five different locations,” says Niina Vesa.
Community housing is provided both in separate housing units and as part of 24-hour care units.
“We have units where all the residents are residents of communal housing. In addition, we have units that have both residents living in more independent communal housing and residents requiring more care, living in 24-hour care,” Vesa says.
“We are constantly reassessing how to organise communal living services. A completely new building exclusively for community living will also be built in Maunula,” Vesa continues.
The resident survey was carried out between 29 September and 12 October 2025. The participants were asked to fill in a paper questionnaire. The survey was answered by 23 residents of the City-run community living services. The response rate was 49%.
For more information on communal housing, please visit the city´s website.
