päevahooldust

Päevahooldust refers to structured support services provided during daytime hours to help people with daily tasks and activities, enabling them to remain living at home or in a community setting. It can be delivered in the client’s own home (home-based day care) or in a dedicated day centre. The aim is to promote safety, independence, social participation, and relief for family caregivers.

Services commonly include assistance with personal care (bathing, grooming, dressing), mobility support, meal planning and preparation, help with medication, light housekeeping, transportation to appointments, and organized activities to prevent isolation. Depending on needs, health-related services such as monitoring vital signs or coordination with healthcare providers may be included.

Target groups are older adults, people with chronic illnesses or disabilities, or those recovering from illness or surgery who require daytime support but not continuous supervision. It can also benefit carers needing respite.

Organisation and funding: assessments are conducted by social services or health professionals to determine eligibility and create a care plan. Day care can be funded by municipalities, health insurers, or private pay, with possible subsidies or co-payments. Providers include municipal social welfare departments and private day-care operators, all subject to quality standards and staff training requirements.

Access: interested individuals or families contact the local municipality’s social welfare or health department to initiate an assessment. A care plan is developed, and services are arranged according to need and funding.