Home Services for Families with Children Bring Much-Needed Extra Hands
A long-time dream of motherhood came true for Suvi Peltola from Malax when she found out she was pregnant. It was double the joy when the first ultrasound revealed two embryos.
– When we found out about the twins, it was incredible, overwhelming, and just amazing, Peltola describes her feelings after the ultrasound.
– We’ll need a bigger car. That was the first thought that came to mind, recalls the twins’ father Janne Illman.
The twins were born small, nearly two months before their due date. Thus, they have two ages: their actual calendar age and their adjusted age. Peltola spent the first month in the hospital’s family room with the twins, Sointu and Sebastian.
When the caregivers are here, I can get much more done and focus better. Yesterday, I had a personal errand, which I could attend without the children.
Suvi Peltola
– It was clear from the start that we would need extra help with childcare once we got home. The hospital did a great job preparing us for the transition home and encouraged us to contact the home services for families with children as soon as possible, Peltola explains.
Chance for Mom to Do Housework in Peace
With dad away studying and mom alone with the kids, help is essential. A caregiver or two from the home service visits the family once or twice a week for three hours at a time.
– Parents of babies know exactly why extra hands are needed. When the caregivers are here, I can get much more done and focus better. Yesterday, I had a personal errand, which I could attend without the children. In addition to that, I had time to clean the oven and vacuum, Peltola shares an example.
On another occasion, Peltola suggested bathing the twins, as it is much easier with extra help. The bath time turned out to be delightful, with everyone in high spirits.
– I’m so incredibly grateful for this service.
Discreet and Professional Caregivers
The family is always visited by the same caregivers, creating a sense of security for both children and parents. The children recognize the caregivers and enjoy spending time with them.
Illman particularly appreciates the caregivers’ discretion and professionalism.
– We are truly lucky to have such a service available.
An agreement on home services is usually made for about three months at a time, but it can be extended as needed.
Support for Families in Different Life Situations
Home services for families with children provide in-home support tailored to each family’s needs.
For instance, support may be offered to families with twins, single parents, or families with newborns. Additional help may also be needed if a parent is exhausted or uncertain, or if the family experiences a sudden serious illness. The service is also available to clients of social services and child protection.
– We encourage families to contact us with ease. Our team consists of highly skilled and professional caregivers. We strive to avoid long queues, so families can often access the service quickly, says Coordinating Service Supervisor Anu Nyman.
You can apply for the service by filling out an application form on our website or by calling 040 483 6487 from Monday to Thursday at 8:30–13:00 and on Friday at 8:30–11:00 in Vaasa, Laihia and Korsholm. In other Ostrobothnian municipalities, you can call 040 483 6492 from Monday to Thursday at 9:00–13:00 and on Friday at 9:00–11:00.
The service costs 15,60 euros for visits under three hours and 31,20 euros for visits exceeding three hours. If the family has no income, the service is free of charge.
