hooldaja

Hooldaja is an Estonian noun meaning a person who maintains or takes care of something. Derived from the verb hooldama (to care for, maintain), it is used for several related roles in Estonia and is often translated as caretaker, custodian, janitor, or maintenance worker in English. In some contexts the term also covers caregivers who provide personal assistance to people in need, such as the elderly or disabled, within a home or care facility.

Common settings for hooldajad include schools, offices, apartment buildings, shopping centers, hospitals, and other institutions, as well as private households. The role can be performed by employees of a property management company, a school or hospital, or by independent workers, depending on duties and organizational structure.

Typical duties fall into two broad areas: facility maintenance and personal care. For maintenance, tasks include cleaning and tidying premises, basic repairs and upkeep of equipment, monitoring safety and security, performing routine checks, maintaining inventories of supplies, and reporting faults to supervisors. When employed as a caregiver, duties may include assisting with daily activities, scheduling and coordinating services, and ensuring the comfort and well-being of clients, under the scope of professional guidelines.

Qualifications vary by role but commonly include a vocational or on-the-job training in maintenance, cleaning, or caregiving, and sometimes first aid, safety training, or a driving license. Strong reliability, organizational ability, and good communication are valued traits.