hoolimist

Hoolimist is an Estonian noun derived from the verb hoolima, meaning to care. It denotes the act or practice of providing care to someone who needs assistance due to age, illness, disability, or other limitations. Hoolimist encompasses a range of activities aimed at maintaining or improving a person’s well-being, including physical support, medical monitoring, personal care, emotional support, and coordination of services. In everyday language, it is often used to describe both informal care provided by family members or friends and professional care delivered by trained workers in health and social services.

Care arrangements can be informal or formal. Informal caregiving typically takes place at home and is provided without formal compensation, whereas formal caregiving is delivered by paid professionals in settings such as home-care services, day centers, or residential facilities. Home-based care emphasizes support within the person’s living environment, while institutional care provides around-the-clock supervision and specialized care.

Policy and social implications: As populations age and chronic conditions rise, the demand for hoolimist increases, placing pressure on health and social care systems. A substantial portion of care is performed by family carers, which has economic and social implications, including questions of compensation, training, respite options, and caregiver support. Public policy in many countries seeks to balance formal services, caregiver recognition, and sustainable financing.

See also: caregiving, elder care, disability services, social care.