umönnun

Umönnun is a term used in Icelandic to denote care given to individuals who require support due to aging, illness, disability, or other conditions. It encompasses both practical tasks and social and emotional support, ranging from personal care and assistance with daily activities to health monitoring and companionship. In professional contexts, umönnun describes the provision of nursing and support services within health and social care systems. The concept covers informal care by family and friends as well as formal care delivered by paid professionals, such as nurses, care assistants, and social workers, in settings like homes, day centers, and residential facilities. Typical activities include personal hygiene and grooming, medication management, assistance with mobility, meal preparation, and coordination of services.

The scope and intensity of umönnun vary by individual needs and local policies, with governments often offering funding, training, and regulatory frameworks to support caregivers and ensure quality of care. Ethical considerations emphasize autonomy, dignity, privacy, consent, and respect for preferences of those receiving care. The field intersects with related domains such as elder care, disability services, and community health, and it is affected by broader social factors, including gender roles and demographic change. Related terms include caregiving, nursing, and care services.