Better Care at Home: How Oulu is Using New Tech to Help Seniors Live Independently

Oulu Home Care – Experiences with the 9Solutions Solution

Every senior has the right to quality care and an active life. All too often, the challenge in providing high-quality home care is the drain of resources on inefficient processes: poor communication, false alarms, and a lack of real-time data.

In 2018, the City of Oulu’s welfare services launched a strategic plan to modernize home care. They implemented the 9Solutions home care service platform, introducing advanced technology designed to support both the safety of residents and the daily workflows of staff.

As part of this digital overhaul, traditional safety phones and door sensors were replaced with smarter, integrated devices for nearly 1,300 clients. The new ecosystem includes the Smooth Central Station software, the Smooth-Lite mobile app for field staff, and automated activity monitoring.

Efficient Information Flow Improves Service Quality

Sirpa Saarela, Development Coordinator for Welfare Services, notes that staff feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, particularly regarding the mobile app and centralized dashboard.

"The solution has significantly smoothed the work of our nurses in the field," Saarela says. "Previously, all calls were received by an external provider who then routed them to our response teams. Now, all calls come directly to our own 24/7 staff."

When a nurse or security assistant arrives at a client’s home, they log their presence via the mobile app and clear the alert upon departure. This ensures the dispatch center and other team members have a real-time, accurate overview of every situation.

"In the new system, we have close cooperation between the alarm receiver and the response team. The caller's precise location is shown on a map, and we can call the client’s safety phone directly from the app." — Pekka Haipola, Practical Nurse, Response Team

Smart Tech for Reliability and Cost Savings

The hardware itself has become more intelligent. The system can now detect technical issues—such as a device being accidentally unplugged—remotely. Furthermore, the devices use dual-operator SIM cards to ensure maximum network reliability.

Just as in other 9Solutions implementations, Oulu utilizes Smart Wander Management. In apartment buildings, seniors often open their doors when they hear noises in the hallway.

"In the past, every door opening triggered an alarm and a physical visit," Saarela explains. "With the new technology, these unnecessary check-ups have decreased, which is also reflected positively in the customers' invoices."

Data Analytics as a Safety Net

For clients with memory disorders who may forget how to use a physical alarm button, the system uses passive sensors to monitor daily rhythms.

If a resident falls during the night and the bedroom sensor does not detect them returning to bed within a certain timeframe, the system automatically triggers an alarm. This "invisible" safety net allows the city to ensure wellbeing without intrusive monitoring.

A Future-Proof Strategy

The 9Solutions platform allows Oulu to bring all home care services "under one roof." Future plans include integrating caregiver support calls and meal service management into the same digital ecosystem.

"It is vital that seniors can manage independently for as long as possible," concludes Anna Haverinen, Director of Elder Care for the City of Oulu.