Abivajadust

Abivajadust is an Estonian term that denotes the need for assistance. In social policy and health research, it describes the extent to which a person requires help with daily functioning due to age, disability, illness, or other limitations. The phrase abivajadust is used in official texts to discuss the level of support an individual may require from formal services or informal caregivers.

Measurement typically relies on activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), caregiver support hours, or the use of formal care services. Data can be gathered from household surveys, administrative records, or professional assessments. Results may be categorized (for example, none, moderate, substantial) or expressed in hours of required assistance per period.

Policy relevance: understanding abivajadust helps public authorities plan and target social benefits, long-term care, housing, and health services. It also informs disability and aging policy, workforce planning for caregivers, and universal design initiatives.

Challenges: responses are influenced by cultural expectations, stigma, and awareness, which can affect reporting. Resource availability and service eligibility criteria also shape observed levels of need. Internationally, the concept of need for assistance is used in long-term care and disability policy discussions, with efforts to harmonize measurement across studies and jurisdictions.