Police in southern Finland have launched a criminal investigation into the death of an elderly resident at a care home in Espoo, after it emerged that repeated emergency alarm calls went unanswered in the hours before the person died.
The Western Uusimaa Police confirmed on Thursday that they are investigating the case under suspicion of negligent homicide and endangerment. The incident occurred on January 25 at the Attendo Olarinpuisto care home in Espoo.
According to police, one individual has been questioned as a suspect so far, while several others are expected to be interviewed as the pre-trial investigation continues.
“The pre-trial investigation is ongoing, so at this stage we cannot comment on the exact number of suspects, as that could affect upcoming interviews,” said Detective Chief Inspector Jyrki Kallio in a statement.
Alarms Went Unanswered
Finnish media outlet Iltalehti earlier reported that the resident pressed an emergency alarm button 11 times within the space of one hour using a safety bracelet. None of the alerts reached staff because the mobile phones designated to receive the alarms were switched off.
Preliminary information suggests the phones may have been turned off for up to a full day and were not properly charged, raising serious concerns about safety procedures at the facility.
The resident was later found dead in their room the same day. Police have opened a separate investigation into the exact cause of death, though authorities say those findings will remain confidential.
Care Provider Acknowledges Failures
The care home is operated by Attendo, which acknowledged significant failures at its Olarinpuisto unit following the incident. The company described the case as a serious instance of neglect.
Attendo Chief Executive Virpi Holmqvist said the unit had been struggling with long-standing operational problems, though the company did not elaborate on specific staffing or technical issues.
Potential Criminal Penalties
Under Finnish law, negligent homicide carries a maximum sentence of two years in prison. The offence of endangerment may also result in a fine or imprisonment, depending on the outcome of the investigation.
Police say the inquiry is ongoing and further details will be released once interviews and technical examinations have been completed.
