Geriatric physiotherapy – vitality for the elderly

Frequently asked questions

• What is geriatric physiotherapy, i.e. physiotherapy for the elderly?

  Geriatric physiotherapy is holistic rehabilitation that helps to slow down the changes in functional capacity caused by ageing.

  It is particularly helpful if you have challenges with functional capacity and the goal is to make you as independent and active as possible.

• Who is geriatric physiotherapy suitable for?

  Physiotherapy for the elderly is suitable in a wide range of situations.

  You can start physiotherapy even before you have any age-related challenges. You will receive advice and guidance on how to prevent and slow down the changes brought about by ageing.

  Physiotherapy also promotes your active everyday life if, for example, you have a chronic disease, balance disorders, pain or if you are recovering from a bone fracture caused by a fall, have been ill or do not know how to move safely.

  We also provide geriatric physiotherapy services in residential care homes in cooperation with the staff.

• What happens in geriatric physiotherapy?

  Physiotherapy for the elderly is always planned on the basis of individual needs and wishes. First of all, our physiotherapists will determine your initial status.

  Exercises and muscle fitness and balance training will improve your functional capacity independently at home or with others in a group.

  You also have access to memory rehabilitation, pelvic floor physiotherapy, treatments to relieve stiffness and pain, home visits and an assessment of the need for assistive devices and other rehabilitation.

• Where is geriatric physiotherapy provided?

  Geriatric physiotherapy can be provided at a physiotherapist's appointment, in the customer's home, care institutions and residential care homes.

• What is resource assessment?

  Physiotherapy for the elderly begins with a functional capacity and resource assessment so that we can plan physiotherapy that is suitable for the customer’s needs.

  The functional capacity and resource assessment for the elderly includes:

  • physical functional capacity assessment
  • assessment of the accessibility of the home and other environment
  • assessment of the need for aids and various services

• Are physiotherapy services deductible as household expenses?

  Self-paid physiotherapy home visits are deductible as household expenses. Only the physiotherapy services performed at home are deductible.

  Read more about deductible household expenses and physiotherapy.

• Who are entitled to household expenses deduction for physiotherapy services?

  The precondition for the household expenses deduction is that the person pays taxes to an extent that deductions can be made from them.

  The household expenses deduction is also available if work has been done in the home or secondary residence of the taxpayer, their spouse or a deceased spouse's parents or other relatives in a direct ascending line or the home or secondary residence of any aforementioned spouse.

  The deduction is granted if the service is provided at the customer's home and the service is paid for by the customer. A person living in a residential care home, nursing home, senior citizen’s home or group home is also entitled to the service under certain conditions.

• Can a person living in a residential care home be entitled to household expenses deduction for physiotherapy services?

  Under certain conditions, a household expenses deduction can be granted for physiotherapy services if the customer lives in a residential care home and purchases physiotherapy services there on their own initiative.

  In this case, the physiotherapy services must be provided in private premises occupied by the person and other prerequisites for receiving the support must be met, for example, a service voucher must not have already been received for the same service.

• When is the physiotherapy household expenses deduction not granted?

  Physiotherapy household expenses deduction is not granted for:

  • physiotherapy appointments
  • remote appointments
  • public healthcare customer fees
  • service fees related to assisted living

  The deduction is also not applied to services purchased with a service voucher or if family care or child care allowance has been granted.

• Why choose geriatric physiotherapy at Mehiläinen?

  Our geriatric physiotherapists have extensive experience of the effects of ageing on functional capacity. They specialise in providing counselling, guidance and rehabilitation services for the elderly.

  Our physiotherapists cooperate closely with all healthcare and rehabilitation professionals working at Mehiläinen. They can refer you to a doctor or other specialist, if necessary.

• How much does geriatric physiotherapy cost?

  Learn more about our price list and flexible payment methods that allow you to take care of your well-being or your loved ones in a wide range of situations.

  In some cases, you can get a promissory note for geriatric physiotherapy with a doctor's referral. If you are an occupational healthcare or insurance customer, please check whether you need a referral with your occupational healthcare contact person or insurance company.