Hooldustöötajate

Hooldustöötajate (Estonian for care workers) are professionals who provide support and assistance to people who need help with daily activities due to age, illness, or disability. They work mainly in health care and social welfare settings, including elderly and disability care homes, hospital wards, and home-based care services.

Their duties typically include helping with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, feeding, mobility, and personal hygiene; monitoring health conditions and basic medical needs; administering or supervising medications according to care plans; assisting with mobility and personal safety at home or in facilities; planning and coordinating daily routines; and providing emotional and social support. They also document observations, communicate changes to supervising nurses or doctors, and collaborate with families and other professionals to implement individualized care plans.

Hooldustöötajate may be employed by municipalities, private care providers, or nonprofit organizations. Work is often organized in shifts, including mornings, evenings, nights, and weekends, and may require travel to clients’ homes. The role can be physically demanding and emotionally challenging, with occasional exposure to aggressive behavior or infection risk, depending on the setting.

Qualification requirements typically include vocational education or a recognized qualification in care work, with opportunities for further specialization and continuing education. In Estonia, the profession is supported by ongoing training and supervision to maintain standards of care and safety. The field responds to demographic changes, with growing demand for care workers as populations age and preferences for home-based care increase.