Introduction:
Finland’s population is aging, which creates pressures for welfare services. In Finland, the goal is to support elderly’s home-based living as long as possible, with the help of personal services. The need for the services is assessed individually. However, sometimes the information regarding elderly’s service needs does not reach social and healthcare authorities, and safety may be compromised. Therefore, Finland has formed a legislative obligation (a duty to notify) any safety concerns of the elderly. Every professional has a duty to notify social services if they observe an elderly who is unable to care for themselves. If living arrangements propose a fire or accident risk, notification must be made to the fire department. The aim of the system is to obtain information about elderly's need for help, and prevent accidents.

Objectives:
The aim of this presentation is to describe and evaluate the Finnish notification system, to assess its notability, shortcomings, reporting rates and overall impact.

Methods:
The mechanisms and development needs are examined based on a survey by the National Institute for Health and Welfare (2022). Notability is assessed using previous research literature. Reporting rates are evaluated based on two survey studies. Impact and shortcomings of the notification mechanism are evaluated through case examples.

Results:
As a result of the survey, a number of different notification methods were identified. Forms vary by region and the differences lead to inequality in the service assessments. Not all authorities had yet been informed of their duty to notify. The obligation is not systematically taught in social and healthcare training. Only 25-30 % of employers have provided their staff with training on the duty. Nevertheless, it seems that the number of notifications indicating concern or direct danger is increasing exponentially in Finland. However, reporting procedures and interventions have prevented accidents, while improving the safety and sense of security of those in need.

Conclusions:
The duty to notify is a last resort when an elderly person cannot otherwise receive the necessary services and their safety is endangered. The mechanism protects elderly at risk of being left outside of essential services and support. The system's effectiveness requires knowledge of obligation and the reporting procedure. Through the notification process, access to help can be ensured even in a danger of being left out of the needed services. The model is intended to ensure the safety of all the special support need groups.

Other info: Tarja Ojala, Specialist Researcher, Finnish National Rescue Association (SPEK) Virpi Dufva, Executive Manager, Valli - The Finnish Union for Senior Services Teija Hammar, Chief Advisor, Finnish institute for health and welfare (THL)