Kela (The Social Insurance Institution of Finland) is an independent, publicly governed institution that manages the basic security of people living in Finland in different life situations. Kela’s mission is to help people at different stages of life.
When my children were small, I received child benefit from Kela. As they grew up, they received study support from there. I myself got chronic asthma three years ago. When I made an application and attached a doctor’s certificate, I received compensation for asthma medications.
I work in an association where I direct customers to Kela’s services. I advise and guide clients who are caregivers. They take care of loved ones who have an illness or disability. You can apply for care support for a loved one from Kela when the person incurs expenses due to illness or injury.
In addition, when an illness occurs, Kela organizes adaptation or rehabilitation courses.I took this adaptation course myself when I got asthma. The course was really good and provided information and peer support. I also tell my clients about the rehabilitation courses organized by kela. It is possible for them to attend a couple of courses. Caregivers can also apply for the course on their own, allowing them to rest in peace.
However, for the most part, you have to find out about Kela’s services yourself. Kela does not offer its services automatically. Therefore, it is good that we share information about Kela’s services with our customers.
I am familiar with Oma Kanta. I can find my own health information there and can renew prescriptions. You can also make your own caregiving wishes there or indicate if you are someone’s caregiver. The service is good in the sense that health issues can be viewed far back.
I can check my pension savings from Keva. In addition, I can get information there about retiring, applying for a pension or if I work while retired. I’ve been looking at my pension savings digitally.
I use banking and insurance services digitally. Health care services must also be provided through YTH; often digitally. I also book doctor’s appointments for my elderly relatives digitally. In my previous work, there were more ready-made programs that I used. In the current work, we do a lot ourselves; brochures, catalogs and we update websites.
I took the digital proficiency test and got an average result. The result was very truthful and I am aware of these challenges.
Communication and collaboration Intermediate
Level 4
At this intermediate level, you can deal independently with both straightforward and unpredictable situations. This includes interacting, sharing and collaborating through digital technologies. It also includes using digital services.
Safety Intermediate
Level 3
At this intermediate level, you can deal with straightforward situations on your own.
Security also went relatively well. There is still more to learn:
Information and data literacy Foundation
Level 2
At this basic level, you can deal with simple situations by yourself and with help where needed.
Digital content creation Foundation
Level 2
At this basic level, you can deal with simple situations by yourself and with help where needed.
Problem solving Foundation
Level 2
At this basic level, you can deal with simple situations by yourself and with help where needed. This includes solving technical problems, identifying technological solutions and using technologies creatively. It also includes understanding your digital skills needs.
I have been surrounded by so many digitally competent personnel that my own skills have not developed. However, I’m learning all the time and I’m motivated to search for and find out digital information.