Hooldusaaja

Hooldusaaja is a term used in the Estonian social welfare and health care context to denote a person who receives care, support, or assistance from another person or from formal services. The care recipient may require help due to aging, disability, illness, or temporary circumstances, and may be supported at home, in day services, or in a residential setting.

The term helps distinguish the person receiving care from the caregiver, who is referred to as the hooldaja (caregiver or caregiver provider). In practice, a hooldusaaja’s needs are assessed to determine appropriate services and to create a care plan. The goal is to support safety, independence, and quality of life while respecting the preferences and rights of the person receiving care.

Care services for hooldusaaja can include personal assistance, nursing or medical care, help with daily activities, transportation, and social or rehabilitative support. Service provision may be funded publicly, privately, or through a combination of subsidies, depending on eligibility, financial means, and local policy.

Rights and participation are important aspects of the role of a hooldusaaja. Care recipients typically have a say in their care decisions, consent procedures, and privacy protections. They may also be entitled to regular reviews of their care needs and adjustments to services as conditions change.

In summary, a hooldusaaja is the individual who receives care within the Estonian care system, with services and supports arranged to meet their needs and promote well-being, autonomy, and dignity.