Päevahoiu

Päevahoiu is a term used in Estonian-language discussions to describe daytime care services, especially for families with young children or dependents. The word combines päe- (day) and hoi- from hoidma (to care), yielding a rough translation of "daytime care." It is not a fixed official program name in the Estonian social welfare system, but a descriptive label that appears in policy debates, media reports, and service descriptions to differentiate daytime supervision from overnight or residential care.

In practice, päevahoiu encompasses activities that ensure safety, supervision, and support with basic daily tasks during daytime hours. For families, it often means supervision while parents work, including activities such as meals, play, learning activities, and rest times. For dependent adults or elderly people, it can include assistance with personal care, medication reminders, mobility help, and meals, delivered in day centers or in-home arrangements.

Settings and providers vary: municipal daycare centers for children, private daycares, and formal or informal daytime support services for adults exist within Estonia's social care framework. Funding and eligibility depend on household income, age, and need level, with municipalities often offering subsidies or alternative arrangements.

Because päevahoiu is a descriptive term rather than a codified program, terminology and coverage can differ across regions and over time. It is commonly discussed alongside related concepts such as child care, elder care, and day care services in Estonian policy and public discourse.