Promising Community-Based Practices to Postpone the Need for Institutional Elderly Care: a descriptive study of community developers in Estonia
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: The proportion of elderly people in the society is constantly growing. The elderly who live alone form one of the most vulnerable groups in the society that is also at considerable risk for poverty and social isolation. According to the last population census in Estonia (2011), 39.3% of the elderly (65+) lived alone. The ageing of the population is accompanied by novel challenges, among them especially the coping of the elderly living alone. In 2015, the research team at the Tallinn University School of Governance, Law and Society conducted a study to map Estonian community-based practices that are available for the elderly (65+), especially for those who live alone at home, and the way these practices support interdependent coping and prevent the need for institutional care. This study, based on qualitative and quantitative data collected in Estonian communities, suggests that cooperation between Estonian local governments and communities should be more effective and involve regular interaction. Promising practices include developing network-based community support models and broadening communication possibilities.
Source: East-West Studies
Language: English
Subfield: General Health Professions
Field: Health Professions
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W3014708015