BigPicture Seminar: Elderly Care and Nursing Education at Tallinn Health University of Applied Sciences

On September 25, a conference dedicated to the development of nursing and health care services for older people was held at Tallinn Health University of Applied Sciences. A total of 52 participants attended. The event also served as a dissemination activity for the Big Picture project, providing an opportunity to share its objectives, progress, and relevance for nursing education and practice in Estonia.

The program covered a wide range of topics, including the integration of older people’s needs into nursing curricula and international perspectives on elderly health care. Presentations highlighted practical experiences from hospitals and local governments, as well as the importance of sustainable services for older adults. Special attention was given to primary health care, discussed from both theoretical and practical perspectives.

Presentations included:
• Introduction to the BigPicture Project – Jekaterina Šteinmiller, Tallinn Health University of Applied Sciences, Estonian project coordinator
• Older People and the Nursing Curriculum at Tallinn Health University of Applied Sciences – Anne Ehasalu, Researcher
• Elderly Health Care in Germany – Jaak Aru, Gerontologist
• Nursing Care at Haapsalu Hospital – Marju Lepmets, Head of Nursing, Läänemaa Hospital
• Sustainable Services for the Elderly in Haapsalu – Kaja Rootare, Deputy Mayor, Haapsalu City Government
• Primary Nursing Care in Theory – Angela Eensalu-Lind, Head of the Health Nursing Module, Tallinn Health University of Applied Sciences
• Primary Nursing Care in Practice – Aina Saarma, Responsible Nurse and Home Nurse, OÜ Medendi
• Home Sensor Solutions for the Elderly

The conference concluded with a joint discussion and a presentation of innovative technological solutions, such as home sensors, aimed at supporting older people’s independence and well-being.