{"id":14475,"date":"2025-01-14T12:37:47","date_gmt":"2025-01-14T12:37:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.tartuh.ee\/?page_id=14475"},"modified":"2026-04-21T10:23:27","modified_gmt":"2026-04-21T10:23:27","slug":"geriatrics","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.tartuh.ee\/en\/research-and-development\/research-groups-in-tartu-applied-health-sciences-university\/geriatrics\/","title":{"rendered":""},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-cover aligncenter is-light wp-duotone-blue-orange\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" class=\"wp-block-cover__image-background wp-image-14004\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tartuh.ee\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/tooruhm-1-scaled.jpg\" data-object-fit=\"cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.tartuh.ee\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/tooruhm-1-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/www.tartuh.ee\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/tooruhm-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.tartuh.ee\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/tooruhm-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.tartuh.ee\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/tooruhm-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.tartuh.ee\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/tooruhm-1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.tartuh.ee\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/tooruhm-1-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><span aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-cover__background has-background-dim\" style=\"background-color:#a69e8a\"><\/span><div class=\"wp-block-cover__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-cover-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-large-font-size\"><strong>SKILLED SUPPORT FOR THE HEALTH AND WELL-BEING OF OLDER ADULTS AND EMPOWERMENT OF FAMILY CAREGIVERS RESEARCH GROUP<\/strong><\/h1>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<p class=\"has-cyan-bluish-gray-background-color has-background wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Collaborators: <\/strong>Estoninan Chamber of Disabled People, Estonian Association of Gerantology and Geriatrics, Dementia Competence Centre, Social and Health Service Department &#8211; Tartu City Government, Tartu Elderly Care Home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-cyan-bluish-gray-background-color has-background wp-block-paragraph\"><br><strong>Keywords: <\/strong>healthy ageing, physical and mental well-being, geriatric syndromes (dementia, falls, pressure sores, pain, frailty, etc.), comprehensive geriatric assessment, interventions, palliative care, end-of-life care, ethical challenges, family caregiver empowerment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-cyan-bluish-gray-background-color has-background wp-block-paragraph\"><br><strong><strong>Overview of Main Activities<\/strong><\/strong>: The research group aims to advance the interdisciplinary fields of gerontology and geriatrics while fostering the empowerment of family caregivers. The group focuses on: 1) facilitating healthy ageing and improving the well-being of older adults through evidence-based strategies; 2) innovating geriatric nursing and physiotherapy practices in hospitals, long-care homes, and home-based care settings; 3) mitigating the burden on family caregivers by enhancing their knowledge, skills, and self-efficacy through targeted education and support initiatives.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Research Group Members<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tartuh.ee\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/DSC_1405-1-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-17699\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>MERLE VARIK, <\/strong><br><strong>PhD<\/strong> <strong>(social sciences)<\/strong>, <strong>Research Group Leader<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.etis.ee\/CV\/Merle_Varik\/eng\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CV<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tartuh.ee\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Eve-Merike_Soovali_1-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13897\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.tartuh.ee\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Eve-Merike_Soovali_1-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.tartuh.ee\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Eve-Merike_Soovali_1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.tartuh.ee\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Eve-Merike_Soovali_1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.tartuh.ee\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Eve-Merike_Soovali_1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.tartuh.ee\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Eve-Merike_Soovali_1-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>EVE-MERIKE SOOV\u00c4LI, MSc (nursing sciences)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tartuh.ee\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Ivi-Vaher-2-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13890\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.tartuh.ee\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Ivi-Vaher-2-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.tartuh.ee\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Ivi-Vaher-2-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.tartuh.ee\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Ivi-Vaher-2-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.tartuh.ee\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Ivi-Vaher-2-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.tartuh.ee\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Ivi-Vaher-2-2048x1366.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>IVI VAHER, PhD (sport sciences)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tartuh.ee\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/svet-grom-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-17975\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>SVETLANA GROMOVA<\/strong>, <strong>MSc (health sciences)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tartuh.ee\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Helina-Pedak-5-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13892\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.tartuh.ee\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Helina-Pedak-5-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.tartuh.ee\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Helina-Pedak-5-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.tartuh.ee\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Helina-Pedak-5-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.tartuh.ee\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Helina-Pedak-5-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.tartuh.ee\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Helina-Pedak-5-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>HELINA PEDAK, MSc (health sciences)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tartuh.ee\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC_1197-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-16858\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>MARJALIISA RAIV, MSc (nursing sciences)<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tartuh.ee\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Janika-Pael-2-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13894\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.tartuh.ee\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Janika-Pael-2-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.tartuh.ee\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Janika-Pael-2-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.tartuh.ee\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Janika-Pael-2-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.tartuh.ee\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Janika-Pael-2-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.tartuh.ee\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Janika-Pael-2-2048x1366.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>JANIKA PAEL<\/strong>, <strong>MSc <\/strong><br><strong>(health sciences)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tartuh.ee\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Fail_Erle_IMG_9599-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13900\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.tartuh.ee\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Fail_Erle_IMG_9599-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.tartuh.ee\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Fail_Erle_IMG_9599-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.tartuh.ee\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Fail_Erle_IMG_9599-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.tartuh.ee\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Fail_Erle_IMG_9599.jpg 1296w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>ERLE REMMELGAS<\/strong>, <strong>MSc (educational sciences)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tartuh.ee\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Foto4-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-17122\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>PIRET SIMM-P\u00c4RLE, MSc (public health)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1440\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tartuh.ee\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/suigusaar-edited.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-18465\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>MAIA-LIISA SUIGUSAAR, MSc (science teacher education)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1358\" height=\"905\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tartuh.ee\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Evelin-Karja_2025-edited.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-19118\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.tartuh.ee\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Evelin-Karja_2025-edited.png 1358w, https:\/\/www.tartuh.ee\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Evelin-Karja_2025-edited-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/www.tartuh.ee\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Evelin-Karja_2025-edited-768x512.png 768w, https:\/\/www.tartuh.ee\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Evelin-Karja_2025-edited-1024x682.png 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1358px) 100vw, 1358px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>EVELIN KARJA, MSc (nursing sciences)<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Health Behavior and Healthy Aging<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Publications:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Varik, M., Paimre, E. (2025). Praktilisi soovitusi eakatele \u00fcksilduse leevendamiseks. Saare maakonnas projektiga \u201eInimkeskse hoolekande- ja tervishoius\u00fcsteemi koordinatsioonimudeli j\u00e4tkurakendamine\u201c. Saaremaa Teataja, 10, 3, (22.05.2025).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ude, P., Pael, J., Heinmets, H.S., Varik. M. (2025). Soovitusi vaimse tervise hoidmiseks v\u00e4\u00e4rikas eas. Dementsuse Kompetentsikeskus ja Tartu Tervishoiu K\u00f5rgkool. Link materjalile: <a href=\"https:\/\/dementsus.ee\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/DKK_Vaimne_tervise_A5_Web_uus.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">SIIN<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pugaitsuk, H., Varik, M. (2022). Eakate vastu suunatud f\u00fc\u00fcsiline ja emotsionaalne v\u00e4givald: riskitegurid, ilmingud ja tuvastamine. Urban, R (Toim.). Tartu Tervishoiu K\u00f5rgkooli Uurimist\u00f6\u00f6de Kogumik. (104\u2212111).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Vaher, I., Hernits, K. (2019). Body composition and physical ability of trained and non-trained elderly women. Acta Kinesiologiae Universitatis Tartuensis, 25, 51\u221257. doi: 10.12697\/akut.2019.25.04.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Thesis:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Lepiste, K.,&nbsp;Martynyuk&nbsp;K. (2026). Eakate peamised uneh\u00e4ired ja nende mittefarmakoloogilised leevendamise v\u00f5imalused.&nbsp;(Common&nbsp;Sleep&nbsp;Disorders&nbsp;in&nbsp;Older&nbsp;Adults&nbsp;and Non-Pharmacological&nbsp;Approaches&nbsp;for&nbsp;Their&nbsp;Management).&nbsp;Tartu Tervishoiu K\u00f5rgkool:&nbsp;BSc&nbsp;(Supervisor&nbsp;Simm, P)&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Kokvel, AK. (2026). Eakate suitsiidik\u00e4itumise&nbsp;ps\u00fchho-sotsiaalsed ja f\u00fc\u00fcsilised riskitegurid.&nbsp;(Psychosocial&nbsp;and&nbsp;Physical&nbsp;Risk&nbsp;Factors&nbsp;for&nbsp;Suicidal&nbsp;Behavior&nbsp;in&nbsp;Older&nbsp;Adults)&nbsp;Tartu Tervishoiu K\u00f5rgkool:&nbsp;BSc. (Supervisior&nbsp;Varik, M)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pullerits, M. (2025). J\u00f5utreeningu m\u00f5ju vanemaealiste kognitiivsele v\u00f5imekusele. (The impact of resistance training on the cognitive ability of the elderly).&nbsp;Tartu Tervishoiu K\u00f5rgkool:&nbsp;BSc&nbsp;(Supervisors&nbsp;Vaher. I., Varik, M)&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Behrsin, L.M (2025).&nbsp;Eakate&nbsp;kognitiivse&nbsp;v\u00f5imekuse&nbsp;ealised&nbsp;muutused&nbsp;ja&nbsp;soovitused&nbsp;m\u00e4lutreeninguteks. (Age-related&nbsp;changes&nbsp;in&nbsp;cognitive&nbsp;ability&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;elderly&nbsp;and&nbsp;recommendations&nbsp;for&nbsp;memory&nbsp;training\u201d.&nbsp;Tartu&nbsp;Tervishoiu&nbsp;K\u00f5rgkool:&nbsp;BSc&nbsp;(Supervisor&nbsp;Varik, M).&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Kalda, E. (2025).&nbsp;Teraapiad&nbsp;ja&nbsp;nende&nbsp;m\u00f5ju&nbsp;hooldekodus&nbsp;elava&nbsp;eaka&nbsp;\u00fcksilduse&nbsp;leevendamiseks. (Therapies&nbsp;and&nbsp;their&nbsp;effects&nbsp;for&nbsp;alleviating&nbsp;the&nbsp;loneliness&nbsp;of&nbsp;an&nbsp;elderly&nbsp;person&nbsp;living&nbsp;in a&nbsp;nursing&nbsp;home). Tartu&nbsp;Tervishoiu&nbsp;K\u00f5rgkool:&nbsp;BSc. (Supervisor&nbsp;Varik, M).&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Kurg, L. (2021)&nbsp;Kodus&nbsp;\u00fcksi&nbsp;elavate&nbsp;eakate&nbsp;vajadused&nbsp;tervisedenduslike&nbsp;sekkumiste&nbsp;j\u00e4rele&nbsp;kolme&nbsp;Tartumaa&nbsp;valla&nbsp;n\u00e4itel. (Health Promotion Needs of Elderly People Living Alone: Three Municipalities in Tartu County). Tartu&nbsp;\u00dclikool: MSc. (Supervisors&nbsp;Treiman-Kiveste,&nbsp;A.,Varik, M)&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pugait\u0161uk, H. (2022).&nbsp;Eakate&nbsp;vastu&nbsp;suunatud&nbsp;f\u00fc\u00fcsiline&nbsp;ja&nbsp;emotsionaalne&nbsp;v\u00e4givald:&nbsp;riskitegurid,&nbsp;ilmingud&nbsp;ja&nbsp;tuvastamine. (Physical&nbsp;and&nbsp;Emotional&nbsp;Abuse&nbsp;of&nbsp;the&nbsp;Elderly: Risk&nbsp;Factors&nbsp;and&nbsp;Detection).&nbsp;Tartu&nbsp;Tervishoiu&nbsp;K\u00f5rgkool: BSc. (Supervisor&nbsp;Varik, M)&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Lepp, E., P\u00e4rn, S. (2020).&nbsp;Eakate&nbsp;\u00fcksilduse&nbsp;ja&nbsp;sotsiaalse&nbsp;isolatsiooni&nbsp;leevendamine&nbsp;info-&nbsp;ja&nbsp;kommunikatsioonitehnoloogiate&nbsp;abil&nbsp;ja&nbsp;nende&nbsp;rakendamise&nbsp;probleemid. (Alleviating&nbsp;Loneliness&nbsp;and&nbsp;Social&nbsp;Isolation&nbsp;Among&nbsp;the&nbsp;Elderly&nbsp;Through&nbsp;Information&nbsp;and&nbsp;Communication&nbsp;Technologies:&nbsp;Opportunities&nbsp;and&nbsp;Challenges).&nbsp;Tartu&nbsp;Tervishoiu&nbsp;K\u00f5rgkool: BSc. (Supervisor&nbsp;Varik, M)&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Zaitseva, I. (2019).&nbsp;Suitsiidi&nbsp;riskifaktorid&nbsp;vanemaealiste&nbsp;seas&nbsp;ja&nbsp;vanemaealiste&nbsp;suitsiidide&nbsp;ennetamisele&nbsp;suunatud&nbsp;\u00f5endusabi. (Risk&nbsp;Factors&nbsp;for&nbsp;Suicide&nbsp;Among&nbsp;the&nbsp;Elderly&nbsp;and&nbsp;Nursing&nbsp;Interventions&nbsp;Aimed at&nbsp;Suicide&nbsp;Prevention).&nbsp;Tartu&nbsp;Tervishoiu&nbsp;K\u00f5rgkool: BSc. (Supervisor&nbsp;Pael, J)&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Health Behavior and Healthy Aging<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2.1 The&nbsp;Satisfaction&nbsp;of&nbsp;Older&nbsp;Adults&nbsp;Care Home Residents<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:36px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Ongoing Applied Research:&nbsp;<\/strong>The&nbsp;Satisfaction&nbsp;of&nbsp;Older&nbsp;Adults&nbsp;Care Home Residents in Tartu&nbsp;Care&nbsp;Home&nbsp;(2025-2030)&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Principal Investigator: Merle Varik&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Team Members: Eve-Merike&nbsp;Soov\u00e4li,&nbsp;Marjaliisa&nbsp;Raiv, Maia-Liisa&nbsp;Suigusaar, Melany-Regle&nbsp;Ojaveer&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Collaborating Partner: Tartu Elderly Care Home&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I Stage: Development and refinement of&nbsp;a&nbsp;care home resident satisfaction questionnaire (2025\u20132028)&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">II&nbsp;Stage: Residents\u2019&nbsp;satisfaction&nbsp;survey&nbsp;(2025, 2027)&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">III&nbsp;Stage: Residents\u2019&nbsp;family&nbsp;members\u2019&nbsp;satisfaction&nbsp;survey&nbsp;(2025\u20132026)&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">IV&nbsp;Stage: Staff&nbsp;narratives&nbsp;on&nbsp;good&nbsp;care,&nbsp;factors&nbsp;influencing&nbsp;resident&nbsp;satisfaction, and&nbsp;the&nbsp;role&nbsp;of&nbsp;staff&nbsp;(2026\u20132027)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Presentations:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Raiv, ML., Varik, M.,&nbsp;Soov\u00e4li, EM. (2026). Social Relationships and Autonomy as Key Determinants of Resident Satisfaction in Long-Term Care. 23<sup>rd<\/sup>&nbsp;IAGG&nbsp;world congress&nbsp;of&nbsp;gerontology&nbsp;and&nbsp;geriatrics. Aging well in a&nbsp;globalised&nbsp;world. 5-8.July, Amsterdam, (The Netherlands) (oral)&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Soov\u00e4li, EM.,&nbsp;Raiv, ML., Varik, M. (2026). Perceived Satisfaction with Life in the Nursing Home: A Mix-Method Study. 23<sup>rd<\/sup>&nbsp;IAGG&nbsp;world congress&nbsp;of&nbsp;gerontology&nbsp;and&nbsp;geriatrics. Aging well in a&nbsp;globalised&nbsp;world. 5-8.July, Amsterdam, (The Netherlands) (poster)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Student Thesis<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Kuslap, E. (2026). Eakate seksuaalsuse toetamine hooldekodudes: v\u00e4ljakutsed ja v\u00f5imalused.&nbsp;(Supporting&nbsp;Sexuality&nbsp;of&nbsp;Older&nbsp;Adults&nbsp;in&nbsp;Nursing&nbsp;Homes:&nbsp;Challenges&nbsp;and&nbsp;Opportunities)&nbsp;Tartu Tervishoiu K\u00f5rgkool:&nbsp;BSc. (Supervisior&nbsp;Varik, M)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2.2 Nursing Activities and Interventions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:36px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Thesis:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Kadak, T. (2026).&nbsp;Telerehabilitatsiooni&nbsp;v\u00f5imalused&nbsp;ja&nbsp;v\u00e4ljakutsed&nbsp;eakate&nbsp;reieluukaela&nbsp;murru&nbsp;taastumisel&nbsp;ning&nbsp;\u00f5e&nbsp;\u00fclesanded&nbsp;selles&nbsp;protsessis&nbsp;&#8211;&nbsp;integreeriv&nbsp;kirjanduse&nbsp;\u00fclevaade&nbsp;(Opportunities and Challenges of Telerehabilitation in the Recovery of Older Adults After Femoral Neck Fracture and the Role of Nurses in This Process: An Integrative Literature Review). Tartu&nbsp;Tervishoiu&nbsp;K\u00f5rgkool: MSc (Supervisor<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Varik, M)&nbsp;K\u00fclm,&nbsp;H., Laas, C. (2026).&nbsp;Statsionaarsel&nbsp;ravil&nbsp;viibiva&nbsp;patsiendi&nbsp;\u00f5pivajaduste&nbsp;hindamine&nbsp;ning&nbsp;patsiendi\u00f5petuse&nbsp;meetodid&nbsp;ja&nbsp;strateegiad.&nbsp;(Assessment of the Learning Needs of Hospitalized Patients and Methods and Strategies for Patient Education.)&nbsp;Tartu&nbsp;Tervishoiu&nbsp;K\u00f5rgkool:&nbsp;BSc. (Supervisor&nbsp;Soov\u00e4li, EM)&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Poolakese, M., Saar, G. (2026).&nbsp;Kopsurehabilitatsiooni&nbsp;rakendamine&nbsp;kroonilise&nbsp;obstruktiivse&nbsp;kopsuhaigusega&nbsp;patsientide&nbsp;hindamisraskuste&nbsp;leevendamiseks.&nbsp;(Implementation of Pulmonary Rehabilitation to Alleviate Assessment Difficulties in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary&nbsp;Disease).&nbsp;Tartu&nbsp;Tervishoiu&nbsp;K\u00f5rgkool: BSc. (Supervisor&nbsp;Soov\u00e4li, EM)&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Suigusaar, L. (2026). Sagedamini esinevate&nbsp;fibrom\u00fcalgia&nbsp;s\u00fcmptomite m\u00f5ju f\u00fc\u00fcsilisele ja vaimsele tervisele ning&nbsp; nende leevendamine mittefarmakoloogiliste meetoditega.&nbsp;(The&nbsp;Impact&nbsp;of&nbsp;Common&nbsp;Fibromyalgia&nbsp;Symptoms&nbsp;on&nbsp;Physical&nbsp;and&nbsp;Mental&nbsp;Health and&nbsp;Their&nbsp;Management&nbsp;Through&nbsp;Non-Pharmacological&nbsp;Methods)&nbsp;Tartu&nbsp;Tervishoiu&nbsp;K\u00f5rgkool: BSc. (Supervisor&nbsp;Soov\u00e4li, EM)&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Salum, H., Kuusk, U. (2025).&nbsp;Statsionaarsel&nbsp;ravil&nbsp;viibiva&nbsp;voodikeskse&nbsp;patsiendi&nbsp;\u00fcldpesu&nbsp;ja&nbsp;suuhooldus&nbsp;(General Body Washing and Oral Care for a Bed-bound Patient Receiving Inpatient Treatment).&nbsp;Tartu Tervishoiu K\u00f5rgkool:&nbsp;BSc&nbsp;(Supervisor&nbsp;Soov\u00e4li, EM)&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Simm, D. (2024).&nbsp;Eakate&nbsp;deh\u00fcdratsiooni&nbsp;riskitegurid,&nbsp;v\u00f5imalikud&nbsp;s\u00fcmptomid&nbsp;deh\u00fcdratsiooni&nbsp;tuvastamiseks&nbsp;ja&nbsp;\u00f5endussekkumised&nbsp;ennetustegevuste&nbsp;rakendamiseks. (Risk&nbsp;Factors&nbsp;and&nbsp;Possible&nbsp;Symptoms&nbsp;of&nbsp;Dehydration&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;Elderly&nbsp;and&nbsp;Nursing&nbsp;Interventions&nbsp;for&nbsp;Prevention).&nbsp;Tartu&nbsp;Tervishoiu&nbsp;K\u00f5rgkool: BSc.&nbsp;&nbsp;(Supervisor&nbsp;Soov\u00e4li, E-M)&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Kutsar, S. (2023).&nbsp;Tervishoiu-&nbsp;ja&nbsp;hoolekandet\u00f6\u00f6tajatele&nbsp;suunatud&nbsp;dementsusteemalised&nbsp;sekkumised&nbsp;ja&nbsp;koolitused. (Interventions&nbsp;and&nbsp;Training&nbsp;for&nbsp;Healthcare&nbsp;and&nbsp;Social&nbsp;Care&nbsp;Workers&nbsp;in&nbsp;care&nbsp;of&nbsp;people&nbsp;with&nbsp;dementia).&nbsp;Tartu&nbsp;Tervishoiu&nbsp;K\u00f5rgkool:&nbsp;BSc.&nbsp;&nbsp;(Supervisor&nbsp;Varik, M)&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>V\u00e4hi, H.,&nbsp;Variksaar, M. (2023).&nbsp;Eakate&nbsp;alatoitumus,&nbsp;sellega&nbsp;kaasnevad&nbsp;sagedasemad&nbsp;terviseprobleemid&nbsp;ja&nbsp;\u00f5endustegevus&nbsp;toimetulekuks. (Malnutrition&nbsp;Among&nbsp;the&nbsp;Elderly,&nbsp;Related&nbsp;Health&nbsp;Problems, and&nbsp;Nursing&nbsp;Activities&nbsp;for&nbsp;Management).&nbsp;Tartu&nbsp;Tervishoiu&nbsp;K\u00f5rgkool: BSc (Supervisor&nbsp;Soov\u00e4li, E-M)&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Suvi, K.,&nbsp;Kurusk, A. (2023).&nbsp;Eakatel&nbsp;sagedamini&nbsp;esinevad&nbsp;jalgade&nbsp;tervise&nbsp;probleemid&nbsp;ja&nbsp;\u00f5endustegevused&nbsp;probleemide&nbsp;lahendamisel&nbsp;ning&nbsp;soovitused&nbsp;jalan\u00f5ude&nbsp;valimiseks. (Common&nbsp;Foot&nbsp;Health&nbsp;Problems&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;Elderly&nbsp;and&nbsp;Nursing&nbsp;Interventions,&nbsp;Including&nbsp;Recommendations).&nbsp;&nbsp;Tartu&nbsp;Tervishoiu&nbsp;K\u00f5rgkool:&nbsp;BSc.&nbsp;&nbsp;(Supervisor&nbsp;Soov\u00e4li, E-M)&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Jelagina, I.,&nbsp;Koivistoinen, J.,&nbsp;Solodova, J. (2020).&nbsp;Eakate&nbsp;(T\u00e4iskasvanute&nbsp;patsientide&nbsp;vanuses&nbsp;65+)&nbsp;kukkumiste&nbsp;ennetamise&nbsp;programmi&nbsp;STEADI (Stopping Elderly Accidents, Death, Injuries)&nbsp;rakendamine. (Implementation&nbsp;of&nbsp;the&nbsp;STEADI (Stopping&nbsp;Elderly&nbsp;Accidents,&nbsp;Deaths, and&nbsp;Injuries)&nbsp;Fall&nbsp;Prevention&nbsp;Program&nbsp;for&nbsp;Older&nbsp;Adults&nbsp;(Aged 65+).&nbsp;Tartu&nbsp;Tervishoiu&nbsp;K\u00f5rgkool: MSc. (Supervisor&nbsp;Varik, M)&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Vool, M., M\u00f6lder, K., Jaakson, M. (2020). Inter-RAI&nbsp;kontakthindamise&nbsp;rakendamine&nbsp;SA T\u00dcK&nbsp;sisekliiniku&nbsp;sisehaiguste&nbsp;reumatoloogia-endokrinoloogia&nbsp;osakonnas&nbsp;sisehaiguste&nbsp;erialal. (Implementation&nbsp;of Inter-RAI&nbsp;Contact&nbsp;Assessment&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;Rheumatology-Endocrinology&nbsp;Department&nbsp;of&nbsp;the&nbsp;Internal&nbsp;Medicine&nbsp;Clinic&nbsp;at Tartu University&nbsp;Hospital).&nbsp;Tartu&nbsp;Tervishoiu&nbsp;K\u00f5rgkool: MSc (Supervisor&nbsp;Varik, M)&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Kello, L  (2020).&nbsp;Insuldij\u00e4rgse&nbsp;afaasia&nbsp;ja&nbsp;d\u00fcsfaagia&nbsp;m\u00f5ju&nbsp;patsiendi&nbsp;elukvaliteedile&nbsp;ja&nbsp;taastusravi&nbsp;v\u00f5imalused. (The&nbsp;Impact&nbsp;of Post-Stroke&nbsp;Aphasia&nbsp;and&nbsp;Dysphagia&nbsp;on&nbsp;Patient&nbsp;Quality of Life and&nbsp;Rehabilitation&nbsp;Opportunities).&nbsp;Tartu&nbsp;Tervishoiu&nbsp;K\u00f5rgkool: BSc. (Supervisor&nbsp;Varik, M)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Publications:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Varik, M.,&nbsp;Kello, L. (2021). Insuldij\u00e4rgne afaasia ja&nbsp;d\u00fcsfaagia. Meditsiiniuudised.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2.3 Geriatric Syndromes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:36px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Thesis:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Uluhanjants, A.A.,&nbsp;Krehhov, K. (2026).&nbsp;Eluv\u00e4simus&nbsp;eakatel:&nbsp;kujunemine,&nbsp;m\u00f5jutegurid,&nbsp;tagaj\u00e4rjed&nbsp;ja&nbsp;\u00f5enduslikud&nbsp;toetamise&nbsp;v\u00f5imalused.&nbsp;(Weariness&nbsp;of Life in&nbsp;Older&nbsp;Adults: Development,&nbsp;Influencing&nbsp;Factors,&nbsp;Consequences, and&nbsp;Nursing&nbsp;Support&nbsp;Strategies)&nbsp;Tartu&nbsp;Tervishoiu&nbsp;K\u00f5rgkool:&nbsp;BSc. (Supervisor&nbsp;Remmelgas,&nbsp;E)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Gorjat\u0161eva, M. (2024).&nbsp;Eakate&nbsp;kukkumist&nbsp;suurendavad&nbsp;riskitegurid&nbsp;ja&nbsp;meetmed&nbsp;kukkumiste&nbsp;ennetamiseks. (Risk&nbsp;Factors&nbsp;Increasing&nbsp;Falls&nbsp;Among&nbsp;the&nbsp;Elderly&nbsp;and&nbsp;Measures&nbsp;for&nbsp;Fall&nbsp;Prevention).&nbsp;Tartu&nbsp;Tervishoiu&nbsp;K\u00f5rgkool: BSc. (Supervisor&nbsp;Soov\u00e4li, E-M)&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ontin, O. (2019).&nbsp;Vanaea&nbsp;hapruse&nbsp;s\u00fcndroom&nbsp;ja&nbsp;geriaatriline&nbsp;\u00f5endusabi. (Frailty&nbsp;Syndrome&nbsp;in Old Age and&nbsp;Geriatric&nbsp;Nursing).&nbsp;Tartu&nbsp;Tervishoiu&nbsp;K\u00f5rgkool: BSc. (Supervisor&nbsp;Varik, M)&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Kaldarova, E.,&nbsp;Kaeramaa, K. (2019).&nbsp;Eakate&nbsp;sarkopeenia&nbsp;ja&nbsp;geriaatriline&nbsp;\u00f5endusabi. (Sarcopenia in the Elderly and Geriatric Nursing).<strong>&nbsp;<\/strong>&nbsp;Tartu&nbsp;Tervishoiu&nbsp;K\u00f5rgkool:&nbsp;BSc. (Supervisor&nbsp;Varik, M)&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Publications<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Kaldarova, E., Kaeramaa, K., Varik, M. (2019). Eakate&nbsp;sarkopeenia&nbsp;ja geriaatriline&nbsp;\u00f5endusabi.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Urban, R (Toim.). Uurimist\u00f6\u00f6de artiklid ja konverentside teesid. (82\u221292).&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ontin, O., Varik, M. (2019).&nbsp;Vanaea&nbsp;hapruse s\u00fcndroom ja geriaatriline&nbsp;\u00f5endusabi.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Urban, R (Toim.). Uurimist\u00f6\u00f6de artiklid ja konverentside teesid. (124\u2212135).&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2.4 Supporting People with Dementia and Their Families<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:6px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2.4.1 Ongoing&nbsp;international project: <\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">COST Action CA21137:&nbsp;Ethics in Dementia (EDEM).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Duration: 18.10.2022-17.10.2026&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Project webpage: <a href=\"https:\/\/ethicsindementia.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/ethicsindementia.org\/<\/a>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The project focuses on the following themes: <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">(1) promoting the dignity, autonomy, and quality of life of people with dementia; <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">(2) reducing burnout and moral distress among both formal and informal caregivers of people with dementia; and <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">(3) improving and standardizing the quality of care while fostering international collaboration in Europe in the fields of dementia and ethics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Presentations and publications:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Sperling, D.,&nbsp;Lauridsen, S., Csonka, V., Baris, N.,&nbsp;Gaxhja, E., Guney, S., Kelly, Morais, A., Paladi, A., Toci, I., Varik,&nbsp;M..&nbsp;Yakov, G.,&nbsp;Zajd\u00f3, K., Schou-Juul, F. (2026). Between love and obligation: navigating moral complexity and systematic challenges in dementia family caregiving across eight&nbsp;country.&nbsp;23<sup>rd<\/sup>&nbsp;IAGG&nbsp;world congress&nbsp;of&nbsp;gerontology&nbsp;and&nbsp;geriatrics. Aging well in a&nbsp;globalised&nbsp;world. 5-8.July, Amsterdam, (The Netherlands) (oral)&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Varik, M.,&nbsp;Suigusaar&nbsp;ML. (2026). Ethical Challenges in Living with Dementia: Perspectives from Professionals and Family Caregivers. 23<sup>rd<\/sup>&nbsp;IAGG&nbsp;world congress&nbsp;of&nbsp;gerontology&nbsp;and&nbsp;geriatrics. Aging well in a&nbsp;globalised&nbsp;world. 5-8.July, Amsterdam, (The Netherlands) (oral)&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Lauridsen, S., Schou-Juul, F., Bar\u0131\u015f Eren, N., G\u00fcney, S., Kelly, D.M., Paladi, A., Rodrigues Morai, A.I., Toci, I., Varik, M., Sperling, D. (2025). A Cross-Country Comparative Study of Ethical Challenges in Dementia Care: Health and social care professionals\u2019 Insights from seven countries.&nbsp;The 35th Alzheimer Europe&nbsp;Conference&nbsp;&#8220;Connecting&nbsp;science&nbsp;and&nbsp;communities: The&nbsp;future&nbsp;of&nbsp;dementia&nbsp;care&#8221;, 6 &#8211; 8&nbsp;October&nbsp;2025 in&nbsp;Bologna&nbsp;(Italy).&nbsp;(oral)&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Morais, A., Sperling, D., Lauridsen, S., Baris, Eren, N., Cruz, D., Csonka, V.,&nbsp;Gaxhja, E., Guney, S., Kelly, D., Serra, I., Varik, M., Yakov, G.,&nbsp;Zajd\u00f3, K., Schou-Juul, F. (2025). Ethical Dilemmas and Decision-Making Among Family Caregivers of People with Dementia: A Cross-Country Qualitative Study.&nbsp;The 35th Alzheimer Europe&nbsp;Conference&nbsp;&#8220;Connecting&nbsp;science&nbsp;and&nbsp;communities: The&nbsp;future&nbsp;of&nbsp;dementia&nbsp;care&#8221;, 6 &#8211; 8&nbsp;October&nbsp;2025 in&nbsp;Bologna&nbsp;(Italy).&nbsp;(oral)&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Suigusaar, ML., Varik, M (2025). Healthcare and Social Workers&#8217; Experiences with Ethical Challenges in Dementia Care \u2013 A Qualitative Study. The 25th International Nursing Ethics Conference, 28-29 August, in the University of Turku (Finland)&nbsp;(oral)&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Suigusaar ML., Varik, M. (2025). Tervishoiu-ja sotsiaalt\u00f6\u00f6tajate kogemused eetiliste v\u00e4ljakutsetega seoses dementsusega inimestega \u2013 kvalitatiivne uurimus. Koost\u00f6\u00f6 konverents Tartu \u00dclikooli Kliinikum ja Tartu&nbsp;Tevishoiu&nbsp;K\u00f5rgkool, 9.05.25, Tartu (Estonia).&nbsp;(oral)&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Suigusaar, ML. (2025). Healthcare and Social Workers&#8217; Experiences with Ethical Challenges in Dementia Care. International&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.tartuh.ee\/en\/about-tartuh\/events\/student-conference-health-in-our-hands\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Student Conference \u201cHealth in our Hands\u201d<\/a>&nbsp;18.11.2025, Tartu (Estonia) (oral)&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Thesis:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Suigusaar, M-L. (2025). Tervishoiu-ja sotsiaalt\u00f6\u00f6tajate kogemused eetiliste v\u00e4ljakutsetega seoses dementsusega inimestega \u2013 kvalitatiivne uurimus. (Healthcare&nbsp;and&nbsp;Social&nbsp;Workers&#8217;&nbsp;Experiences&nbsp;with&nbsp;Ethical&nbsp;Challenges&nbsp;in&nbsp;Dementia&nbsp;Care \u2013 A&nbsp;Qualitative&nbsp;Study), Tartu Tervishoiu K\u00f5rgkool:&nbsp;BSc. (Supervisor&nbsp;Varik, M).&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Recognitions:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Scholarship&nbsp;of&nbsp;the&nbsp;2025 &#8220;Best&nbsp;Thesis&nbsp;at a University of&nbsp;Applied&nbsp;Sciences&#8221;&nbsp;competition&nbsp;by&nbsp;the&nbsp;Council&nbsp;of&nbsp;Rectors&nbsp;of&nbsp;Universities&nbsp;of&nbsp;Applied&nbsp;Sciences.&nbsp;Laureate: Marja-Liisa Suigusaar,&nbsp;thesis: \u201eHealthcare&nbsp;and&nbsp;Social&nbsp;Workers&#8217;&nbsp;Experiences&nbsp;with&nbsp;Ethical&nbsp;Challenges&nbsp;in&nbsp;Dementia&nbsp;Care \u2013 A&nbsp;Qualitative&nbsp;Study. \u201cSupervisor&nbsp;Varik, M.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">2025 National Student Research Competition, 2nd Prize for Applied Higher Education and Bachelor\u2019s Level Student Research in the field of Medical and Health Sciences, for the research project Marja-Liisa&nbsp;Suigusaar&nbsp;<em>\u201cExperiences of Healthcare and Social Work Professionals with Ethical Challenges Related to People with Dementia \u2013 A Qualitative Study\u201d<\/em>, supervisor: Merle Varik.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2.4.2. Completed Projects and Studies<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Swift&nbsp;and&nbsp;Safe&nbsp;Support&nbsp;to&nbsp;Strengthen&nbsp;Health&nbsp;Literacy&nbsp;for&nbsp;People&nbsp;with&nbsp;Dementia. (2025).&nbsp;Nordman&nbsp;Adult.&nbsp;KBT&nbsp;Fagskole&nbsp;(Norra), University of Northern (Taani),&nbsp;Dementsuse&nbsp;Kompetentsikeskus&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Varik, M.,&nbsp;Kookla, M. (2023).&nbsp;<em>Assessment of the Effectiveness of a Dementia Training Program for In-house Trainers in Care Institutions<\/em>&nbsp;(2018\u20132023). Estonian Health Development Institute.&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.tai.ee\/sites\/default\/files\/2024-01\/Dementsuseteemalise_koolituse_tulemuslikkuse_uuring.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Link<\/a>&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Niilo, L., Varik, M., Tuur, M. (2019).&nbsp;<em>Innovative Housing Concept for People with Dementia.<\/em>&nbsp;Commissioned by the Ministry of Social Affairs.&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/eludementsusega.ee\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Innovaatiline-maja.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Link<\/a>&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Heinmets, HS., Rull, M., Varik, M., Tuur, M., Niilo, L., Bachmann, T., Sild, M. (2018).&nbsp;<em>Expert Analysis on Adapting Physical Environments for People with Dementia in Care Institutions.<\/em>&nbsp;Commissioned by the Ministry of Social Affairs.&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/media.voog.com\/0000\/0042\/3679\/files\/Ekspertanalyys_fyysilise_keskkonna_kohandamiseks_EluDementsusega2018.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Link<\/a>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Presentations and Publications:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Varik, M., P\u00f5der. K., Rebane, B. (2025).&nbsp;Doll therapy as a non-pharmacological method to support the well-being of people with dementia: narrative literature review.&nbsp;The 35th Alzheimer Europe&nbsp;Conference&nbsp;&#8220;Connecting&nbsp;science&nbsp;and&nbsp;communities: The&nbsp;future&nbsp;of&nbsp;dementia&nbsp;care&#8221;, 6 &#8211; 8&nbsp;October&nbsp;2025 in&nbsp;Bologna&nbsp;(Italy)&nbsp;(poster)&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Varik, M. (2024). Spiritual journey in the ageing and journey with dementia: a case study. In: ADI (Ed.). Dementia: Insight. Innovation. Inspiration. Abstract book. (710\u2212710). 36th Global Conference&nbsp;of&nbsp;Alzheimer&#8217;s Disease International, Dementia: Insights. Innovations. Inspirations. 24.-26.April&nbsp;2024, Krakow, Poola. Online&nbsp;(poster)&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Varik, M., Toomsalu, G. (2023). Principles of dementia-friendly hospitals: an integrative review. In: The 33rd Alzheimer Europe conference &#8220;New opportunities in dementia care, policy and research&#8221;, 16-18.10.2023, Helsinki (Finland)&nbsp;(poster)&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Varik, M. (2020). Awareness of dementia from the perspective of informal caregivers.\u202f<em>34th Virtual International Conference of Alzheimer&#8217;s Disease International.&nbsp;Hope&nbsp;in&nbsp;the age of dementia. New science. New knowledge. New solution. Abstract Book: 34th Virtual International Conference of Alzheimer&#8217;s Disease International.10.-12.12.2020.&nbsp;Singapur.<\/em>\u202fAlzheimer&#8217;s Disease&nbsp;International ,&nbsp;512\u2212512.&nbsp;(poster)&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Varik, M. (2018). The informal caregivers of persons with dementia experiences and needs in the caring process.\u202f<em>Programm&nbsp;Book: The 24th Nordic Congress of Gerontology, Oslo, 2-4.May&nbsp;2018.<\/em>\u202fOslo: Nordic Gerontological Federation&nbsp;(oral)&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Varik, M., P\u00f5der, K., Rebane, B.(2025).&nbsp;Nukuteraapia&nbsp;dementsusega&nbsp;inimeste&nbsp;heaolu&nbsp;toetamiseks. Link&nbsp;artiklile:&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.tai.ee\/et\/sotsiaaltoo\/nukuteraapia-dementsusega-inimeste-heaolu-toetamiseks\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">TAI &#8211; SOTSIAALT\u00d6\u00d6<\/a>&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Varik, M.,&nbsp;Medar, M., Saks, K. (2024). Launching support groups for informal caregivers of people living with dementia within participatory action research.\u202f<em>Action Research<\/em>,\u202f<em>22<\/em>(3), 205-222.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Toomsalu, G., Varik, M. (2023). Dementsuss\u00f5braliku haigla olemus ja p\u00f5hiprintsiibid.&nbsp;Urban, R., M. (Toim.). Uurimist\u00f6\u00f6de Kogumik. (13\u221222).&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Rikas, I., Varik, M. (2022). Raske dementsusega patsiendi valu v\u00e4ljendusviisid ja valu hindamism\u00f5\u00f5dikud.&nbsp;Urban, R (Toim.). Tartu Tervishoiu K\u00f5rgkooli Uurimist\u00f6\u00f6de Kogumik. (112\u2212119).&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Varik, M.,&nbsp;Medar, M., Saks, K. (2020).&nbsp;Informal&nbsp;caregivers&#8217;&nbsp;experiences&nbsp;of&nbsp;caring&nbsp;for&nbsp;persons&nbsp;with&nbsp;dementia&nbsp;in Estonia: A&nbsp;narrative&nbsp;study.&nbsp;<em>Health &amp;&nbsp;Social&nbsp;Care in&nbsp;the&nbsp;Community,<\/em>&nbsp;28(2), 448-455.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Varik, M., Saks, K.,&nbsp;Medar, M.,&nbsp;Merila, K. (2020).&nbsp;Support&nbsp;groups&nbsp;for&nbsp;informal&nbsp;caregivers&nbsp;of&nbsp;people&nbsp;with&nbsp;dementia&nbsp;as&nbsp;opportunities&nbsp;for&nbsp;empowerment&nbsp;in Estonia.&nbsp;<em>European&nbsp;Journal&nbsp;of&nbsp;Social&nbsp;Work,<\/em>&nbsp;(25 (1), 91-104&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Linnam\u00e4gi, \u00dc., Varik, M. (2020). Alzheimeri t\u00f5bi sinu l\u00e4hedasel. Soovitused dementsusega pereliikme hoolduseks. Tallinn: Dementsuse Kompetentsikeskus.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Varik, M.; Saks, K.;&nbsp;Medar, M. (2018). Dementsusega inimeste ja&nbsp;omastehooldajate&nbsp;vajadused. Sotsiaalt\u00f6\u00f6, 1, 30\u221239.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Varik, M. (2022). Kuidas toetada dementsusega inimesi ja nende l\u00e4hedasi. Eesti \u00d5de, 3, 9\u221211.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Raba, M., Varik, M. (2021). Infotehnoloogilised abivahendid dementsusega inimese toetamiseks kodus.&nbsp;Urban, R (Toim.). Tartu Tervishoiu K\u00f5rgkooli Uurimist\u00f6\u00f6de Kogumik. (84\u221291).&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Laja, R., Varik, M. (2019). Alzheimeri t\u00f5vega l\u00e4hedase hooldamise m\u00f5ju&nbsp;omastehooldaja&nbsp;heaolule. In:&nbsp;Urban, R (Ed.). Uurimist\u00f6\u00f6de artiklid ja konverentside teesid. (103\u2212111).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Thesis:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>T\u00e4he, T. (2026).&nbsp;Koerateraapia&nbsp;rakendamine&nbsp;dementsuse&nbsp;diagnoosiga&nbsp;patsientide&nbsp;elukvaliteedi&nbsp;parandamiseks.&nbsp;(Implementation&nbsp;of Dog-Assisted&nbsp;Therapy&nbsp;to&nbsp;Improve&nbsp;the&nbsp;Quality of Life of&nbsp;Patients&nbsp;Diagnosed&nbsp;with&nbsp;Dementia.)&nbsp;Tartu&nbsp;Tervishoiu&nbsp;K\u00f5rgkool:&nbsp;BSc. (Supervisior&nbsp;Soov\u00e4li, EM)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mari-\u00d5is&nbsp;Madisson, M.-\u00d5., Parm, G. (2025).&nbsp;Lewy&nbsp;kehakeste dementsuse olemus ning patsiendi ja l\u00e4hedaste toetamise v\u00f5imalused. (The&nbsp;nature&nbsp;of&nbsp;Lewy&nbsp;body&nbsp;dementia&nbsp;and&nbsp;the&nbsp;possibilities&nbsp;of&nbsp;supporting&nbsp;the&nbsp;patient&nbsp;and loved&nbsp;ones). Tartu Tervishoiu K\u00f5rgkool:&nbsp;BSc&nbsp;(Supervisor&nbsp;Varik, M).&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Naarits, K., K\u00f5iv, G. (2025).&nbsp;M\u00e4lukohvikud&nbsp;dementsuss\u00fcndroomiga&nbsp;inimestele&nbsp;ja&nbsp;nende&nbsp;l\u00e4hedastele. (Nature&nbsp;and&nbsp;Benefits&nbsp;of&nbsp;Memory&nbsp;Caf\u00e9s&nbsp;for&nbsp;People&nbsp;with&nbsp;Dementia&nbsp;and&nbsp;Their&nbsp;Caregivers).&nbsp;Tartu&nbsp;Tervishoiu&nbsp;K\u00f5rgkool:&nbsp;BSc&nbsp;(Supervisor&nbsp;Varik, M).&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Rebane, B., P\u00f5der, K. (2025).&nbsp;Nukuteraapia&nbsp;kui&nbsp;mittefarmakoloogiline&nbsp;meetod&nbsp;dementsusega&nbsp;inimeste&nbsp;heaolu&nbsp;toetamiseks. (Doll&nbsp;therapy&nbsp;as a non-pharmacological&nbsp;method&nbsp;to&nbsp;support&nbsp;the&nbsp;well-being&nbsp;of&nbsp;people&nbsp;with&nbsp;dementia), Tartu&nbsp;Tervishoiu&nbsp;K\u00f5rgkool:&nbsp;BSc&nbsp;(Supervisor&nbsp;Varik, M).&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Kostabi, L. (2023).&nbsp;\u00d5dede&nbsp;ja&nbsp;hooldajate&nbsp;kogemused&nbsp;dementsusega&nbsp;patsientidele&nbsp;hoolduse&nbsp;ja&nbsp;\u00f5endusabi&nbsp;osutamisel&nbsp;\u2013&nbsp;kvalitatiivne&nbsp;uurimus. (Nurses\u2019 and&nbsp;Caregivers\u2019&nbsp;Experiences&nbsp;in&nbsp;Providing&nbsp;Care and&nbsp;Nursing&nbsp;Services&nbsp;to&nbsp;Patients&nbsp;with&nbsp;Dementia: A&nbsp;Qualitative&nbsp;Study).&nbsp;Tartu&nbsp;Tervishoiu&nbsp;K\u00f5rgkool: BSc.&nbsp;&nbsp;(SupervisorVarik, M)&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Toomsalu, G. (2023).&nbsp;Dementsuss\u00f5braliku&nbsp;haigla&nbsp;olemus&nbsp;ja&nbsp;p\u00f5hiprintsiibid. (Principles of dementia-friendly hospitals). Tartu&nbsp;Tervishoiu&nbsp;K\u00f5rgkool: BSc.&nbsp;&nbsp;(Supervisor&nbsp;Varik, M)&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Drenkhan, M. (2023).&nbsp;Dementsusega&nbsp;inimese&nbsp;agiteerituse&nbsp;v\u00e4hendamiseks&nbsp;kasutatavad&nbsp;muusikateraapia&nbsp;tehnikad&nbsp;ja&nbsp;muusikateraapia&nbsp;m\u00f5ju&nbsp;dementsusega&nbsp;inimese&nbsp;agiteeritusele. (Music&nbsp;Therapy&nbsp;Techniques&nbsp;for&nbsp;Reducing&nbsp;Agitation&nbsp;in&nbsp;People&nbsp;with&nbsp;Dementia&nbsp;and&nbsp;Their&nbsp;Effects).&nbsp;Tartu&nbsp;Tervishoiu&nbsp;K\u00f5rgkool: BSc.&nbsp;&nbsp;(Supervisor&nbsp;Pael, J)&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Plakso, L. (2023).&nbsp;Dementsusega&nbsp;patsiendi&nbsp;deliiriumi&nbsp;teket&nbsp;soodustavad&nbsp;tegurid&nbsp;aktiivravi&nbsp;osakonnas&nbsp;ja&nbsp;mittefarmakoloogilised&nbsp;sekkumised&nbsp;dementsusega&nbsp;patsiendi&nbsp;deliiriumi&nbsp;ennetuses&nbsp;ja&nbsp;ravis. (Factors&nbsp;Promoting&nbsp;Delirium&nbsp;in&nbsp;Patients&nbsp;with&nbsp;Dementia&nbsp;in&nbsp;Acute&nbsp;Care Units and Non-Pharmacological&nbsp;Interventions&nbsp;for&nbsp;Prevention&nbsp;and Management).&nbsp;Tartu&nbsp;Tervishoiu&nbsp;K\u00f5rgkool: BSc. (Supervisor&nbsp;Pael, J)&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Popova, V. (2022).&nbsp;Alzheimeri&nbsp;t\u00f5vega&nbsp;seonduvad&nbsp;uneh\u00e4ired&nbsp;ja&nbsp;une&nbsp;parandamise&nbsp;v\u00f5imalused&nbsp;kodus. (Sleep&nbsp;Disorders&nbsp;Related&nbsp;to&nbsp;Alzheimer\u2019s&nbsp;Disease&nbsp;and Home-Based&nbsp;Strategies&nbsp;for&nbsp;Improving&nbsp;Sleep).&nbsp;Tartu&nbsp;Tervishoiu&nbsp;K\u00f5rgkool: BSc. (Supervisor&nbsp;Varik, M)&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Kiisk, G-L. (2021).&nbsp;Dementsuss\u00f5bralik&nbsp;haiglakeskkond. (Dementia-Friendly&nbsp;Hospital)&nbsp;Tartu&nbsp;Tervishoiu&nbsp;K\u00f5rgkool: BSc. (Supervisor&nbsp;Varik, M)&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Raba, M. (2021)&nbsp;Infotehnoloogia&nbsp;v\u00f5imalused&nbsp;kodus&nbsp;elava&nbsp;dementsusega&nbsp;inimese&nbsp;toetamiseks. (Opportunities&nbsp;of&nbsp;Information&nbsp;Technology in&nbsp;Supporting&nbsp;People&nbsp;with&nbsp;Dementia&nbsp;Living&nbsp;at Home).&nbsp;Tartu&nbsp;Tervishoiu&nbsp;K\u00f5rgkool: BSc. (Supervisor&nbsp;Varik, M)&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Lat\u00f5vskaja, J. (2020).&nbsp;Patsiendikesksus&nbsp;dementsusega&nbsp;inimeste&nbsp;\u00f5endusabis. (Person-Centered&nbsp;Nursing&nbsp;Care&nbsp;for&nbsp;People&nbsp;with&nbsp;Dementia).&nbsp;Tartu&nbsp;Tervishoiu&nbsp;K\u00f5rgkool: BSc. (Supervisor&nbsp;Varik, M)&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Lekk, E. (2020).&nbsp;Kodus&nbsp;elava&nbsp;dementsusega&nbsp;inimese&nbsp;s\u00f6\u00f6mise-joomise&nbsp;elamistoiminguga&nbsp;seonduvad&nbsp;aspektid. (Aspects&nbsp;of&nbsp;Eating&nbsp;and&nbsp;Drinking&nbsp;as&nbsp;Lived&nbsp;Experiences&nbsp;in&nbsp;People&nbsp;with&nbsp;Dementia&nbsp;Living&nbsp;at Home).&nbsp;Tartu&nbsp;Tervishoiu&nbsp;K\u00f5rgkool: BSc. (Supervisor&nbsp;Varik, M)&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Korn, E., Kuznetsova, V. (2020).&nbsp;Muusika&nbsp;kasutamine&nbsp;dementsusega&nbsp;patsientide&nbsp;hooldamisel. (Use&nbsp;of Music in&nbsp;the&nbsp;Care of&nbsp;Patients&nbsp;with&nbsp;Dementia).&nbsp;Tartu&nbsp;Tervishoiu&nbsp;K\u00f5rgkool: BSc. (Supervisor&nbsp;Varik, M)&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Laja, R. (2019).&nbsp;Alzheimeri&nbsp;t\u00f5vega&nbsp;l\u00e4hedase&nbsp;hooldamise&nbsp;m\u00f5ju&nbsp;omastehooldaja&nbsp;heaolule. (Impact&nbsp;of&nbsp;Caring&nbsp;for&nbsp;a&nbsp;Relative&nbsp;with&nbsp;Alzheimer\u2019s&nbsp;Disease&nbsp;on&nbsp;the&nbsp;Well-Being&nbsp;of&nbsp;Informal&nbsp;Caregivers).&nbsp;Tartu&nbsp;Tervishoiu&nbsp;K\u00f5rgkool: BSc. (Supervisor&nbsp;Varik, M)&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Tilga, K. (2019).&nbsp;Dementsusega&nbsp;kaasnev&nbsp;agitatsioon&nbsp;ning&nbsp;mittefarmakoloogilised&nbsp;v\u00f5tted&nbsp;agitatsiooni&nbsp;v\u00e4hendamiseks. (Agitation&nbsp;in&nbsp;Dementia&nbsp;and Non-Pharmacological&nbsp;Methods&nbsp;for&nbsp;Its&nbsp;Reduction).&nbsp;Tartu&nbsp;Tervishoiu&nbsp;K\u00f5rgkool: BSc. (Supervisor&nbsp;Varik, M)&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Merila, K. (2019).&nbsp;Dementsusega&nbsp;seotud&nbsp;kogemused&nbsp;dementsusega&nbsp;inimeste,&nbsp;nende&nbsp;l\u00e4hedaste&nbsp;ja&nbsp;spetsialistide&nbsp;vaatenurgast. (Experiences&nbsp;Related&nbsp;to&nbsp;Dementia&nbsp;from&nbsp;the&nbsp;Perspectives&nbsp;of&nbsp;People&nbsp;with&nbsp;Dementia,&nbsp;Their&nbsp;Relatives, and Professionals).&nbsp;Tallinna&nbsp;\u00dclikool: MSc. (Supervisor&nbsp;Varik, M)&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>K\u00e4sper, K. (2019)&nbsp;Kognitsiooni&nbsp;stimuleerivad&nbsp;tegevused&nbsp;kodus&nbsp;elavale&nbsp;kerge&nbsp;ja&nbsp;m\u00f5\u00f5duka&nbsp;dementsusega&nbsp;inimesele&nbsp;ning&nbsp;m\u00f5ju&nbsp;tema&nbsp;iseseisvule&nbsp;ja&nbsp;sotsiaalsusele. (Cognitive&nbsp;Stimulation&nbsp;Activities&nbsp;for&nbsp;People&nbsp;with&nbsp;Mild&nbsp;to&nbsp;Moderate&nbsp;Dementia&nbsp;Living&nbsp;at Home and&nbsp;Their&nbsp;Impact&nbsp;on&nbsp;Independence&nbsp;and&nbsp;Social&nbsp;Engagement).&nbsp;Tartu&nbsp;Tervishoiu&nbsp;K\u00f5rgkool: BSc. (Supervisor&nbsp;Varik, M)&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Palliative Care and End-of-Life Care<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:36px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Thesis:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Mihhailova, R. (2026). Tartu Tervishoiu K\u00f5rgkooli \u00f5e \u00f5ppekava \u00fcli\u00f5pilaste kogemused&nbsp;elil\u00f5pus&nbsp;olevate patsientide ja nende l\u00e4hedaste toetamisel \u00f5ppepraktika ajal \u2013 kvalitatiivne uurimus.&nbsp;(Experiences&nbsp;of&nbsp;Nursing&nbsp;Students&nbsp;at Tartu Health Care&nbsp;College&nbsp;in&nbsp;Supporting&nbsp;End-of-Life&nbsp;Patients&nbsp;and&nbsp;Their&nbsp;Families&nbsp;During&nbsp;Clinical&nbsp;Practice&nbsp;\u2013 A&nbsp;Qualitative&nbsp;Study)&nbsp;Tartu Tervishoiu K\u00f5rgkool:&nbsp;BSc&nbsp;(Supervisior&nbsp;Varik, M).&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Karu, K.,&nbsp;T\u00e4\u00e4r, A. (2023).&nbsp;Patsiendi&nbsp;elul\u00f5puraviga&nbsp;seonduvad&nbsp;\u00f5dede&nbsp;hingelised&nbsp;vajadused&nbsp;ning&nbsp;hingehoidja&nbsp;v\u00f5imalused&nbsp;\u00f5dede&nbsp;toetamisel. (Spiritual&nbsp;Needs&nbsp;of&nbsp;Nurses&nbsp;Related&nbsp;to&nbsp;End-of-Life Care and&nbsp;the&nbsp;Role&nbsp;of&nbsp;Chaplains&nbsp;in&nbsp;Supporting&nbsp;Nurses).&nbsp;Tartu&nbsp;Tervishoiu&nbsp;K\u00f5rgkool: BSc.&nbsp;&nbsp;(Supervisor&nbsp;Varik, M)&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>P\u00e4rn, K., Kukk. E. (2021).&nbsp;Palliatiivravil&nbsp;olevate&nbsp;t\u00e4iskasvanud&nbsp;patsientide&nbsp;hooldaja&nbsp;rollis&nbsp;olevate&nbsp;l\u00e4hedaste&nbsp;elukvaliteedi&nbsp;muutused&nbsp;ja&nbsp;nende&nbsp;toetamine. (Changes&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;Quality of Life of&nbsp;Informal&nbsp;Caregivers&nbsp;of&nbsp;Adult&nbsp;Patients&nbsp;Receiving&nbsp;Palliative&nbsp;Care and&nbsp;Their&nbsp;Support&nbsp;Needs).&nbsp;Tartu&nbsp;Tervishoiu&nbsp;K\u00f5rgkool: BSc. (Supervisor&nbsp;Remmelgas, E)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Empowerment&nbsp;of&nbsp;Family&nbsp;Caregivers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:36px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ongoing&nbsp;Applied&nbsp;Research:&nbsp;<strong>Empowering Family Caregivers Providing Care to Adult Relatives through Training<\/strong>&nbsp;(2022\u20132026).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Principal Investigator: Merle Varik&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Team Members: Eve-Merike&nbsp;Soov\u00e4li, Janika Pael, Kristiina-Maria Lorenz, Triin&nbsp;N\u00f5mmistu,&nbsp;Ivi&nbsp;Vaher, Anne Vahtram\u00e4e, Katrin Tint, Triinu Kurvits (Tartu University Hospital), Maarika&nbsp;Kurrikoff&nbsp;(Tartu City Government), Maire&nbsp;Aruots, Svetlana Gromova, Marit&nbsp;Kiljako&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Collaborating Partners: Social and Healthcare Service Department, Tartu City Government; Estonian Chamber of Disabled People&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>I Stage:<\/strong>&nbsp;Assessing the training needs of family caregivers to enhance knowledge and skills for providing long-term care to adult relatives at home, using Tartu city as a case study (Ethics Committee approval 364\/T-2, 16.05.2022)&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>II Stage:<\/strong>&nbsp;Development and pilot testing of a continuing education program (2022\u20132023)&nbsp;<br><strong>Continuing Education Course<\/strong>: &#8220;Caring for a Loved One at Home&#8221; (40 academic hours),&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>III Stage:<\/strong>&nbsp;Creation of a MOOC (2025\u20132026) in collaboration with the Estonian Chamber of Disabled People&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">On the EPIK Family Care Information Point website (<a href=\"https:\/\/omastehooldusest.ee\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/omastehooldusest.ee\/<\/a>), the following videos have been published:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Maire&nbsp;Aruots.&nbsp;<em>About Family Care: Washing and Hygiene Care of Bedridden Patients.&nbsp;<\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=c3g3oExgEb0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=c3g3oExgEb0<\/a>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Triin&nbsp;&nbsp;N\u00f5mmistu.&nbsp;<em>About Family Care: ABC of Assistive Device<\/em>s&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=cni8bD0MaJ4\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=cni8bD0MaJ4<\/a>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Svetlana&nbsp;Gromova.&nbsp;<em>About Family Care: Talking About the End of Life.<\/em>&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=_1PEdhiExtg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=_1PEdhiExtg<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Presentations&nbsp;and Publications<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Soov\u00e4li, EM., Varik, M., Pael, J. (2025).&nbsp;Family members&#8217; experiences in the caregiving process: their needs and expectations for empowering support from healthcare professionals.&nbsp;The 30th ICN&nbsp;Congress.&nbsp;Nursing&nbsp;Power&nbsp;to&nbsp;Change&nbsp;the&nbsp;World,&nbsp; 9-13&nbsp;June&nbsp;2025, Helsinki (Finland),&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Varik, M.,&nbsp;Soov\u00e4li, E-M., Pael, J. (2024). Empowering informal caregivers through improved knowledge and skills of providing care at home. INTED2024 Proceeding: 18<sup>th<\/sup>&nbsp;International Technology, Education and Development Conference, 4-6 March 2014, Valencia (Spain).&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Varik, M., Soov\u00e4li, E-M. (2023). The&nbsp;needs&nbsp;of&nbsp;informal&nbsp;caregivers&nbsp;for&nbsp;improving&nbsp;the&nbsp;knowledge&nbsp;and&nbsp;skills&nbsp;to&nbsp;provide&nbsp;care&nbsp;at&nbsp;home, and&nbsp;the&nbsp;pilot&nbsp;training&nbsp;program. In:&nbsp;Conference&nbsp;manual. (22).&nbsp;Gerontological&nbsp;Nursing&nbsp;Academic&nbsp;Conference,&nbsp;Dongguan, China, 20.-21.09.2023.&nbsp;Dongguan&nbsp;Medical University.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Varik, M.,\u202fSoov\u00e4li, E-M., Pael, J. (2024).\u202fOmastehooldajate\u202fv\u00e4ljakutsed\u202fja\u202ftoetamise\u202fv\u00f5imalused\u202f&nbsp; t\u00e4isealise\u202fl\u00e4hedase\u202fhooldamisel\u202fkodus\u202fning\u202fettepanekud\u202fkoolitusprogrammi\u202fkoostamiseks.\u202f<em>TervesKehas\u202fTerve\u202fTeadmine,<\/em>\u202f1, 57-67.\u202f(Challenges and support opportunities for family caregivers in providing home care for adult relatives, and proposals for developing a training&nbsp;program).\u202f<em>Terves&nbsp;Kehas\u202fTerve\u202fTeadmine,<\/em>\u202f<em>Healthy Body, Healthy Mind Full of Knowledge<\/em>, 1, 57-67.)\u202f&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/issuu.com\/tthkk\/docs\/tktv-01-web-pages\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Link<\/a>&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Varik, M., Soov\u00e4li, E-M., Pael, J. (2024).&nbsp;Empowering&nbsp;informal&nbsp;caregivers&nbsp;through&nbsp;improved&nbsp;knowledge&nbsp;and&nbsp;skills&nbsp;in&nbsp;providing&nbsp;care&nbsp;at&nbsp;home.&nbsp;<em>IATED Digital&nbsp;Library,<\/em>&nbsp;2493-2496.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>J\u00f5gi, A. (2022). Tervishoiuk\u00f5rgkooli lektorid asuvad koolitama&nbsp;omastegooldajaid. Tartu&nbsp;Postimees:Tark&nbsp;Tartu, 16.09.2022\u202f&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Varik, M., Soov\u00e4li, E-M., Pael, J. (2022).&nbsp;Omastehooldajaid&nbsp;oodatakse osalema uuringus. Tervist!, 34, 19.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Thesis<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Jusar, M.,&nbsp;Streimann, K. (2024).&nbsp;Vaba&nbsp;juurdep\u00e4\u00e4suga&nbsp;e-kursuste&nbsp;koostamise&nbsp;p\u00f5him\u00f5tted&nbsp;t\u00e4isealise&nbsp;l\u00e4hedase&nbsp;omastehooldajatele. (Principles&nbsp;for&nbsp;Developing&nbsp;Open-Access E-Courses&nbsp;for&nbsp;Adult&nbsp;Informal&nbsp;Caregivers&nbsp;of&nbsp;Close&nbsp;Relatives).&nbsp;Tartu&nbsp;Tervishoiu&nbsp;K\u00f5rgkool: BSc. (Supervisor&nbsp;Varik, M)&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Pool, J. (2024).&nbsp;Voodikeskse&nbsp;patsiendi&nbsp;koduses&nbsp;hoolduses&nbsp;sagedamini&nbsp;esinevad&nbsp;hooldusprobleemid&nbsp;ja&nbsp;omastehooldajate&nbsp;tegevused&nbsp;nendega&nbsp;toimetulekuks&nbsp;ning&nbsp;ennetuseks. (Common&nbsp;Care&nbsp;Problems&nbsp;in&nbsp;Bed-Bound&nbsp;Patients&nbsp;Receiving&nbsp;Home Care and&nbsp;Coping&nbsp;Strategies&nbsp;Used&nbsp;by&nbsp;Informal&nbsp;Caregivers).&nbsp;Tartu&nbsp;Tervishoiu&nbsp;K\u00f5rgkool: BSc. (Supervisor&nbsp;Soov\u00e4li, E-M)&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Soots, J. (2024). II&nbsp;t\u00fc\u00fcpi&nbsp;diabeedihaige&nbsp;patsiendi&nbsp;hilist\u00fcsistustega&nbsp;kaasnevad&nbsp;terviseprobleemid&nbsp;ja&nbsp;nendega&nbsp;toimetulek&nbsp;omastehooldaja&nbsp;vaatekohast. (Health&nbsp;Problems&nbsp;Associated&nbsp;with&nbsp;Complications&nbsp;of&nbsp;Type&nbsp;2&nbsp;Diabetes&nbsp;and&nbsp;Informal&nbsp;Caregiver&nbsp;Perspectives&nbsp;on&nbsp;Coping).&nbsp;Tartu&nbsp;Tervishoiu&nbsp;K\u00f5rgkool: BSc.&nbsp;&nbsp;(Supervisor&nbsp;Soov\u00e4li, E-M)&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Recognitions:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Certificate of Appreciation from the Estonian Chamber of Disabled People\u2019s Omastehooldusest.ee&nbsp;team:&nbsp;<em>\u201cThank you for giving family caregivers in Estonia a name, a face, and a voice.\u201d<\/em>&nbsp;October 2024&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Societal Contribution of&nbsp;the Year 2024 \u2013&nbsp;Training for&nbsp;family members&nbsp;caring for a loved one. Tartu Health Care College. November 2024&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"_personShort\" role=\"region\" aria-label=\"Person short\"><div class=\"_personShortWrap\" role=\"group\" aria-label=\"Person info\"><div class=\"_mainPersonInfo\" role=\"group\" aria-label=\"Main person info\"><p class=\"_name\" role=\"note\" aria-label=\"Name\">Merle Varik<\/p><p class=\"_position\" role=\"note\" aria-label=\"Position\">Associate Professor<\/p><a class=\"_phone\" href=\"tel:+372 7370250\"  aria-label=\"Phone\">+372 737 0250<\/a><a class=\"_email\" href=\"mailto:merle.varik@tartuh.ee\"  aria-label=\"Email\">merle.varik@tartuh.ee<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tartuh.ee\/en\/research-and-development\/research-groups-in-tartu-applied-health-sciences-university\/\">Back to the Research Groups main page<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Collaborators: Estoninan Chamber of Disabled People, Estonian Association of Gerantology and Geriatrics, Dementia Competence Centre, Social and Health Service Department &#8211; Tartu City Government, Tartu Elderly Care Home. Keywords: healthy ageing, physical and mental well-being, geriatric syndromes (dementia, falls, pressure sores, pain, frailty, etc.), comprehensive geriatric assessment, interventions, palliative care, end-of-life care, ethical challenges, family [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":31,"featured_media":0,"parent":14606,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_eb_attr":"","inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-14475","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.1 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>- TARTUH.EE<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tartuh.ee\/en\/research-and-development\/research-groups-in-tartu-applied-health-sciences-university\/geriatrics\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"- TARTUH.EE\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Collaborators: Estoninan Chamber of Disabled People, Estonian Association of Gerantology and Geriatrics, Dementia Competence Centre, Social and Health Service Department &#8211; Tartu City Government, Tartu Elderly Care Home. Keywords: healthy ageing, physical and mental well-being, geriatric syndromes (dementia, falls, pressure sores, pain, frailty, etc.), comprehensive geriatric assessment, interventions, palliative care, end-of-life care, ethical challenges, family [&hellip;]\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.tartuh.ee\/en\/research-and-development\/research-groups-in-tartu-applied-health-sciences-university\/geriatrics\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"TARTUH.EE\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-04-21T10:23:27+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.tartuh.ee\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/tooruhm-1-scaled.jpg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"24 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.tartuh.ee\\\/en\\\/research-and-development\\\/research-groups-in-tartu-applied-health-sciences-university\\\/geriatrics\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.tartuh.ee\\\/en\\\/research-and-development\\\/research-groups-in-tartu-applied-health-sciences-university\\\/geriatrics\\\/\",\"name\":\"- TARTUH.EE\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.tartuh.ee\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.tartuh.ee\\\/en\\\/research-and-development\\\/research-groups-in-tartu-applied-health-sciences-university\\\/geriatrics\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.tartuh.ee\\\/en\\\/research-and-development\\\/research-groups-in-tartu-applied-health-sciences-university\\\/geriatrics\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.tartuh.ee\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/11\\\/tooruhm-1-scaled.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-01-14T12:37:47+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-04-21T10:23:27+00:00\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.tartuh.ee\\\/en\\\/research-and-development\\\/research-groups-in-tartu-applied-health-sciences-university\\\/geriatrics\\\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.tartuh.ee\\\/en\\\/research-and-development\\\/research-groups-in-tartu-applied-health-sciences-university\\\/geriatrics\\\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.tartuh.ee\\\/en\\\/research-and-development\\\/research-groups-in-tartu-applied-health-sciences-university\\\/geriatrics\\\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.tartuh.ee\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/11\\\/tooruhm-1-scaled.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.tartuh.ee\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/11\\\/tooruhm-1-scaled.jpg\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.tartuh.ee\\\/en\\\/research-and-development\\\/research-groups-in-tartu-applied-health-sciences-university\\\/geriatrics\\\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.tartuh.ee\\\/en\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Research and Development\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.tartuh.ee\\\/en\\\/research-and-development\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":3,\"name\":\"Research Groups in Tartu Applied Health Sciences University\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.tartuh.ee\\\/en\\\/research-and-development\\\/research-groups-in-tartu-applied-health-sciences-university\\\/\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.tartuh.ee\\\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.tartuh.ee\\\/\",\"name\":\"TARTUH.EE\",\"description\":\"Tartu Tervishoiu K\u00f5rgkool on Eestis ja rahvusvaheliselt hinnatud k\u00f5rgkool ning kompetentsikeskus tervise ja heaolu valdkonnas. K\u00f5rgkoolis on v\u00f5imalik \u00f5ppida rakendusk\u00f5rghariduse, magistri- ja kutse\u00f5ppe \u00f5ppekavadel.\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.tartuh.ee\\\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.tartuh.ee\\\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.tartuh.ee\\\/#organization\",\"name\":\"TARTUH.EE\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.tartuh.ee\\\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.tartuh.ee\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.tartuh.ee\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/01\\\/cropped-TTKK-2025-logo.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.tartuh.ee\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/01\\\/cropped-TTKK-2025-logo.jpg\",\"width\":1498,\"height\":755,\"caption\":\"TARTUH.EE\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.tartuh.ee\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\"}}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"- TARTUH.EE","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.tartuh.ee\/en\/research-and-development\/research-groups-in-tartu-applied-health-sciences-university\/geriatrics\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"- TARTUH.EE","og_description":"Collaborators: Estoninan Chamber of Disabled People, Estonian Association of Gerantology and Geriatrics, Dementia Competence Centre, Social and Health Service Department &#8211; Tartu City Government, Tartu Elderly Care Home. Keywords: healthy ageing, physical and mental well-being, geriatric syndromes (dementia, falls, pressure sores, pain, frailty, etc.), comprehensive geriatric assessment, interventions, palliative care, end-of-life care, ethical challenges, family [&hellip;]","og_url":"https:\/\/www.tartuh.ee\/en\/research-and-development\/research-groups-in-tartu-applied-health-sciences-university\/geriatrics\/","og_site_name":"TARTUH.EE","article_modified_time":"2026-04-21T10:23:27+00:00","og_image":[{"url":"https:\/\/www.tartuh.ee\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/tooruhm-1-scaled.jpg","type":"","width":"","height":""}],"twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_misc":{"Est. reading time":"24 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.tartuh.ee\/en\/research-and-development\/research-groups-in-tartu-applied-health-sciences-university\/geriatrics\/","url":"https:\/\/www.tartuh.ee\/en\/research-and-development\/research-groups-in-tartu-applied-health-sciences-university\/geriatrics\/","name":"- TARTUH.EE","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.tartuh.ee\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.tartuh.ee\/en\/research-and-development\/research-groups-in-tartu-applied-health-sciences-university\/geriatrics\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.tartuh.ee\/en\/research-and-development\/research-groups-in-tartu-applied-health-sciences-university\/geriatrics\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.tartuh.ee\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/tooruhm-1-scaled.jpg","datePublished":"2025-01-14T12:37:47+00:00","dateModified":"2026-04-21T10:23:27+00:00","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.tartuh.ee\/en\/research-and-development\/research-groups-in-tartu-applied-health-sciences-university\/geriatrics\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/www.tartuh.ee\/en\/research-and-development\/research-groups-in-tartu-applied-health-sciences-university\/geriatrics\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.tartuh.ee\/en\/research-and-development\/research-groups-in-tartu-applied-health-sciences-university\/geriatrics\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/www.tartuh.ee\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/tooruhm-1-scaled.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.tartuh.ee\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/tooruhm-1-scaled.jpg"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/www.tartuh.ee\/en\/research-and-development\/research-groups-in-tartu-applied-health-sciences-university\/geriatrics\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/www.tartuh.ee\/en\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Research and Development","item":"https:\/\/www.tartuh.ee\/en\/research-and-development\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Research Groups in Tartu Applied Health Sciences University","item":"https:\/\/www.tartuh.ee\/en\/research-and-development\/research-groups-in-tartu-applied-health-sciences-university\/"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/www.tartuh.ee\/#website","url":"https:\/\/www.tartuh.ee\/","name":"TARTUH.EE","description":"Tartu Tervishoiu K\u00f5rgkool on Eestis ja rahvusvaheliselt hinnatud k\u00f5rgkool ning kompetentsikeskus tervise ja heaolu valdkonnas. K\u00f5rgkoolis on v\u00f5imalik \u00f5ppida rakendusk\u00f5rghariduse, magistri- ja kutse\u00f5ppe \u00f5ppekavadel.","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.tartuh.ee\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/www.tartuh.ee\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.tartuh.ee\/#organization","name":"TARTUH.EE","url":"https:\/\/www.tartuh.ee\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.tartuh.ee\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/www.tartuh.ee\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/cropped-TTKK-2025-logo.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.tartuh.ee\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/cropped-TTKK-2025-logo.jpg","width":1498,"height":755,"caption":"TARTUH.EE"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.tartuh.ee\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"}}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tartuh.ee\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/14475","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tartuh.ee\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tartuh.ee\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tartuh.ee\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/31"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tartuh.ee\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=14475"}],"version-history":[{"count":19,"href":"https:\/\/www.tartuh.ee\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/14475\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":19121,"href":"https:\/\/www.tartuh.ee\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/14475\/revisions\/19121"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tartuh.ee\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/14606"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tartuh.ee\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=14475"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}