Overview of Hospices in Finland
Hospice care in Finland is well-established, and the country has a strong tradition of providing quality end-of-life care to its citizens. Hospices in Finland are typically run by non-profit organizations and provide a range of services to patients who are nearing the end of their lives. These services include pain management, emotional and spiritual support, and counseling for patients and their families.
One of the most well-known hospices in Finland is the Helsinki Hospice, which provides palliative care services to patients with life-limiting illnesses, as well as support to their families. Another notable hospice is the Palliative Care Center of Northern Finland, located in Oulu, which provides end-of-life care and support to patients and their families.
Local Customs and Practices When Someone Dies in Finland
Funerals in Finland are typically somber events that involve the entire community coming together to mourn the loss of a loved one. Finnish culture emphasizes the importance of showing respect to the deceased and their family during the mourning period.
In Finland, it is customary for the body of the deceased to be displayed in a casket for a period of time before the funeral. This allows family members and friends to pay their respects and say their final goodbyes. The wake, or “siunaustilaisuus” in Finnish, is an important part of the grieving process in Finnish culture.
Another important custom in Finnish culture is the “muistotilaisuus,” which is a memorial service that is held after the funeral. The muistotilaisuus is typically less formal than the funeral and allows family members and friends to come together to remember the life of the deceased.
What to do When Someone Dies in Finland
When someone dies in Finland, there are several important steps that must be taken. Here is a numbered list of what to do:
Notify the authorities: The first step is to notify the local authorities of the death. This includes the police and the civil registry office, which will issue a death certificate. The death certificate is required for many legal and administrative purposes, such as settling the deceased’s estate.
Contact a funeral home: Once the authorities have been notified, the next step is to contact a funeral home to make arrangements for the funeral. It is important to choose a reputable funeral home that is licensed by the government and has experience in handling the funeral arrangements.
Plan the funeral: Funerals in Finland often involve religious or cultural rituals, such as a mass or a procession. It is important to plan the funeral carefully, including selecting a location, arranging for transportation, and coordinating with any religious or cultural leaders who will be involved in the funeral.
Notify family and friends: It is important to notify family and friends of the death as soon as possible. This can be done through phone calls, text messages, or social media.
Arrange for the wake: As mentioned earlier, the wake is an important part of the grieving process in Finnish culture. The family may choose to hold the wake in the family home or at a funeral home. It is important to arrange for food, drinks, and other supplies for the wake.
Attend the funeral: It is customary for family members and friends to attend the funeral to pay their respects to the deceased and offer support to the family. The funeral may include religious or cultural rituals, such as a mass or a procession.
Complete administrative tasks: After the funeral, there may be a number of administrative tasks that need to be completed, such as notifying banks, insurance companies, and government agencies of the death. It is also important to settle the deceased’s estate, which may involve distributing assets, paying debts, and fulfilling any final wishes or instructions left by the deceased.
Observe the mourning period: In Finland, it is customary for family members to observe a mourning period for a period of time following the death of a loved one. During this time, it is common for family members to refrain from attending social events and to wear black clothing as a symbol of mourning.
Seek support: Grieving the loss of a loved one can be a difficult and emotional process. It is important for family members and friends to seek support from each other, as well as from healthcare professionals, counselors, or religious leaders, if needed.
End-of-life care and the customs surrounding death are important aspects of any culture, and Finland is no exception. While hospice care is well-established in Finland, there are still challenges to be addressed to ensure that all individuals receive the end-of-life care they need. Understanding the local customs and practices surrounding death is crucial for those who may find themselves dealing with the loss of a loved one in Finland. By following the steps outlined above, individuals can ensure that they are taking the appropriate steps to honor the deceased and support their loved ones during a difficult time.