hoolimise

Hoolimine refers to the act or process of caring for someone or something, with the aim of preserving or improving well-being, safety, and functioning. It covers direct physical care, emotional support, and the maintenance of daily routines or environments.

In Estonian, the noun hoolimine is derived from the verb hoolima (to care or attend to). Related terms include hoolitsema (to care for), hoolitsus (care or attention), and hooldus (maintenance or servicing). The concept is used across personal contexts, such as family caregiving, and institutional contexts, such as healthcare and social services.

Care work is often carried out by family members and informal caregivers, while professional care workers provide services in homes, clinics, and care facilities. The distribution of care responsibilities, funding, and quality of care are central topics in debates on welfare policy, gender, and labor markets.

Historically, care has been a core social function, evolving with demographic change, urbanization, and shifts in family structures. In modern usage, it can also refer to maintenance of objects and facilities, such as vehicle maintenance or property care, although the primary sense remains interpersonal or institutional assistance.

See also: caregiving, social care, elder care, child care, care work, maintenance.