The Memory Barometer survey (Muistibarometri), conducted every five years by the Alzheimer Society of Finland, has been published for 2020. The survey was conducted as part of the National Memory Programme in collaboration with the National Institute for Health and Welfare and the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health. Funding for the project was granted by the Funding Centre for Social Welfare and Health Organisations (STEA).
The Memory Barometer survey measures the status of memory work, i.e. services for people with dementia (or, as we say in Finland, people with memory-related diseases), in municipalities nationwide, and highlights areas for improvement. The response rate was 79% and the municipal coverage 82.7%. A total of 139 responses were received. The barometer was sent out at the end of May 2020, to the people responsible for the services for older people in municipalities and local government collaboration areas. The respondents were encouraged to answer the survey in working groups, with the idea that questions on different topics would be answered by people familiar with the services in question.
The aim of The Memory Programme was to build solidarity to create a memory-friendly (i.e. dementia-friendly) Finland. Advancement has occurred on several fronts over the last five years. However, certain important issues, such as supporting living at home and services aimed at relatives and loved ones, are lagging behind compared to other areas. Ensuring the availability of the necessary services comprehensively, throughout Finland, and supporting relatives and loved ones would be in line with the ideal of solidarity. Attitude-influencing work, the collection and utilisation of feedback, and the diversification of housing solutions for people with dementia are also among the issues that still require attention.
