Safety Investigation Authority to investigate two deaths of patients with memory disorders in elderly care homes
The Safety Investigation Authority, Finland will investigate the deaths in elderly care homes that occurred on 7 December 2025 and 7 January 2026. The first case involved the death of a resident with a memory disorder following restraining measures in a private care homes in the Wellbeing Services County of Southwest Finland. In the second case, a resident of a housing unit of the Wellbeing Services County of Lapland died when, according to current information, another resident of the same housing unit erroneously went to the room of the former, climbed onto their bed, which resulted in the death of this resident.
“In its previous safety investigations, the Safety Investigation Authority, Finland has addressed issues in the home care of older people and the safety of housing units for older people. The number of older people is increasing in Finland. Their care is also a question of values in society: The presently launched investigation will address the safety of the older people in the most vulnerable position. This is, to a large extent, a question of public safety – and the duty of the Safety Investigation Authority” , emphasises Hanna Tiirinki, Investigator in Charge.
The investigation will focus on the structures, processes and conditions of ensuring client safety for residents with memory disorders in elderly care homes in the wellbeing services counties. In addition, the investigation will cover the safety of restrictive measures for people with memory disorders and the actions of the authorities.
“In practice, this refers to the investigation of safety management systems (SMS). SMSs have traditionally not been discussed in the healthcare and social welfare sector; however, this makes it all the more important that rules, instructions, operating practices, values and resources are in place. This also includes the investigation of safety culture. We also need to examine the legal framework. The safety investigation also involves examining the actions of the authorities. This will also allow us to focus on ensuring safety in service units for older people, whose primary task is to ensure an adequate level of service and safety ,” Tiirinki explains.
The purpose of the safety investigation is to improve public safety and prevent new accidents and incidents. Matters of guilt and liability will not be addressed in the investigation.
The duration of the safety investigation is approximately 9 to 12 months.
The Lapland Police is carrying out a pre-trial investigation of the incident that occurred in the Wellbeing Services County of Lapland.
Inquiries:
Hanna Tiirinki, Investigator in Charge, tel. +358 2951 50747
Tiina Bieber, Head of Communications +358 2951 50714
Published 20.1.2026