hooldusteenustes

Hooldusteenused, or care services, refer to a range of publicly and privately provided supports designed to assist people who need help with daily activities due to age, illness, or disability. In Estonia and many other countries, hooldusteenused include in-home care (koduhooldus), day centres (päevakeskused or päevahooldus), and residential or assisted-living options such as care homes (hooldekodud). Short-term or respite care is also offered to give relief to family caregivers. The overarching aim is to maintain the individual’s independence, enable aging in place, and prevent unnecessary hospital admissions.

Organization and access are typically handled by a mix of municipal authorities, private providers, and nonprofit organizations. Funding comes from local government budgets, national subsidies, and user charges where applicable. Eligibility and the intensity of services are determined through a social welfare assessment conducted by local authorities, after which a care plan is created in cooperation with the user and their family or carers. People generally have some choice among providers where available.

Common services include practical help at home (assistance with daily tasks, housekeeping, shopping, transportation), personal care (help with bathing and dressing), medication reminders, and coordination of health and social support. Day centres offer social, rehabilitative, and recreational activities, while residential care provides longer-term accommodation for those needing significant support. Quality and safety standards are maintained through national legislation and inspections, with service plans revisited regularly.

Key trends include an aging population, workforce shortages in the care sector, and policy shifts toward expanding home-based care, integrating health and social services, and using digital tools for planning, monitoring, and communication.