Thursday 8 May 2014

Virvelinranta, Hameenlinna

I spent today at this wonderful day centre facility in Hameenlinna, mostly for adults with profound disabilities.  I was supposed to come here originally for placement but management changes meant it fell through.  I was delighted to visit today though and left super inspired by the incredibly motivated staff team, brilliant service users and the superb building on the shores of Lake Vanajavesi.  This centre offers a true benchmark for other facilities not just across Finland but the whole of Scandinavia.
 
In total 52 service users use the building daily and there are 19 staff members.  The centre has also started to offer respite services in the last two months. 
 
Just as the majority of teachers in Finland have masters degrees, the staff team at Virvelinranta are really well qualified with a range of degrees in nursing, social work and arts.  There are also staff with specialist skills in Makaton, autism, multisensory work and supported sport and music therapy.
 
  Thanks for a really inspiring day! 

The 'spa' like facilities upstairs are amazing with wonderful Jacuzzis, traditional Finnish saunas and wetrooms.  THe saunas are of course designed to accommodate wheelchairs as well as hospital beds.  It is policy for staff to take saunas with the clients.

Views from the Jacuzzi onto Lake Vanajavesi.
 
Beautifully designed open sitting area with traditional Scandinavian fire...
 
Really well-equipped music room which doubles as rehearsal space for the brilliant...


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