Built in cooperation with EfTEN Real Estate Fund AS, the first stage of Tartu Südamekodu was opened in September 2024. With the completion of the second stage, the building section that had previously been left as a “shell structure” has now been finished. This expansion adds 60 new places for elderly people with dementia, bringing the total capacity of Tartu Südamekodu to 180 residents. A total of eight million euros has been invested in the development of the nursing home. 

The building now includes a spacious hall for leisure and joint activities, and a solar power park has been installed on the roof.

The departments of Tartu Südamekodu are named after regions of Tartu: the first-floor department is called Pühajärve, and the second-floor department Kassitoome. Each department includes ten single and ten double rooms, furnished with modern furniture and multifunctional beds. The second-floor unit is separated and designed specifically for residents with dementia.

According to Jarno Laur, Mayor of Tartu Parish, the demand for elderly care services is continuously growing. “Developing services for seniors is an important part of the municipality’s growth, and the need for such services keeps increasing. Our cooperation with Südamekodud has been excellent — here people work with heart and dedication. We are pleased that in this developing Raadi area, where many young families live, there is a diverse living environment that also includes a modern and homely care home for the elderly.”

“The high occupancy rate and rapid move-in of residents at Tartu Südamekodu clearly show the great need for quality nursing home places in Southern Estonia — before the new departments were opened, 400 people were on the waiting list,” said Martin Kukk, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Südamekodud. “Our goal is to offer every elderly person a safe, comfortable, and people-centered home where they can live with dignity and participate in a variety of activities. Tartu Südamekodu is located in one of the fastest-growing residential areas in Southern Estonia, where many young families are moving. Our care home is an integral part of this community, warmly welcomed by its neighbors.”

“I am especially pleased that the first floor now includes a spacious hall – it was created to offer our residents a variety of activities, strengthen the sense of community, and provide a place to spend time together and take part in different events,” said Andri Võsokovski, Manager of Tartu Südamekodu.

People with dementia need more attention and special conditions, but above all, they need a home where they can continue daily life with dignity and have skilled help available at any time. “Creating new places specifically for people with dementia at Tartu Südamekodu helps reduce the shortage of such services in Southern Estonia and gives families confidence that their loved ones are in a safe and caring environment,” added Võsokovski.

The design of the building takes into account the needs of both residents and staff: the spacious hall on the first floor supports community activities, the second-floor department is designated for residents with dementia, and every room is equipped with modern furniture and multifunctional beds. The rooftop solar park and well-planned layout add value in terms of energy efficiency and residents’ quality of life. Tartu Südamekodu is located in the Raadi district, at Ermi 13, near the Estonian National Museum.