This paper presents an analysis of the relationship between spatial control and

care in nursing homes governed by Finnish municipalities. Although the attitude

towards elderly care is gradually changing, most nursing homes governed by Finnish

municipalities are still traditional, large institutions. In the study, I examine

how care and control emerge spatially in nursing homes and how living in a limited

environment shapes the everyday life of the residents. I argue that spatial

practices affect the well-being of the residents, since a great deal of the control in

Finnish nursing homes is spatiotemporal. The institutions use multiple methods to

control residents, such as limiting mobility and daily routines, which can also

result in unintended mistreatment. As the analysis demonstrates, staff and their

attitudes have a significant effect on the residents’ well-being. It also underlines

how feelings of self-determination or “imagined” liberty can relieve anxiety and

feelings of being confined. Control may be needed to keep residents safe; however,

there is a risk that control can merge into care which affects staff culture

and the well-being of residents. This paper responds to the call for greater diversity

within carceral geography, and conceptualises the nursing home as a complex

(quasi-)carceral environment that sits uneasily on the continuum between care and

control.