About Ruissalo Foundation

Ruissalo Foundation – Housing and Residential Senior Care Services

Ruissalo Foundation

Ruissalo Foundation is a Finnish non-profit organisation founded in 1993. The Foundation was a pioneer in establishing modern Senior Living in Finland and has since played a long-term role in the development and renewal of Finnish senior housing and aged care systems.

The Foundation was created to respond to demographic change and the societal challenge of population ageing. Its work is grounded in the public interest and aims to support a sustainable, humane, and inclusive ageing society—where older people are able to live independently for as long as possible, with appropriate support available as needs change.

Ruissalo Foundation develops senior housing and care environments that operate as part of the broader social and healthcare ecosystem. The Foundation works in cooperation with municipalities, public authorities, healthcare providers, and research partners, contributing practical solutions that complement and strengthen public services.

Senior Living as Part of Social Infrastructure

Ruissalo Foundation develops and provides rental-based Senior Serviced Residences designed specifically for older people. These living environments support independent daily life within a safe and supportive framework, where care and medical services are available when required.

A core principle of the Foundation’s model is choice and self-determination. Residents decide which services they use and how they organise their everyday lives. Professional staff are present or on call around the clock, ensuring safety without compromising autonomy.

From a public-policy perspective, the Foundation’s senior living model integrates:

Purpose-built, accessible housing
Flexible care and support services
Community-based living that reduces unnecessary institutionalisation
Long-term rental solutions aligned with public housing objectives

The residential environments are designed to be adaptable, inclusive, and supportive of changing needs. They are located in both urban and nature-adjacent settings, with access to services, transport, culture, and recreation—supporting social participation and active ageing.

Public–Private Cooperation and Healthcare Development

In addition to housing, Ruissalo Foundation has contributed to the development of specialised elderly healthcare infrastructure. The Foundation has designed and developed a geriatric hospital in the City of Turku, implemented as a Public–Private Partnership (PPP) and operating as part of the public healthcare system.

The hospital was purpose-built for the medical care, rehabilitation, and transitional treatment of elderly patients. It supports recovery, functional ability, and safe transitions back to everyday living, and serves as an example of how public and non-profit actors can jointly develop tailored healthcare solutions for an ageing population.

Mission

Ruissalo Foundation’s mission is to advance senior housing and care solutions that respect independence, individual choice, and the right to self-determination, while contributing to the long-term sustainability of public care and housing systems.

Vision and Development Role

Population ageing is reshaping societies and placing new demands on housing, services, and public policy. Today’s seniors are increasingly informed, diverse, and active in shaping their own lives.

Ruissalo Foundation responds to this change by continuously developing senior living concepts, service models, and care environments that evolve alongside societal needs. The Foundation also supports research on ageing and participates in service and technology development that facilitates everyday life, housing, and wellbeing in later life.

Development, quality improvement, and responsible use of digital solutions are integral to the Foundation’s work, supporting transparency, safety, and coordinated care.