Tartu Südamekodu is beginning the third phase of construction in Raadi, adding 72 new places for people with dementia to the existing 180 care places. Once the extension is completed, Tartu Südamekodu will become one of the largest elderly care homes in Southern Estonia, with a total of 252 places. Construction work began in the first week of September, and the new wing is scheduled for completion by the end of July 2027.

According to Meelis Mälberg, Member of the Management Board of Südamekodud, demand for elderly care places in Southern Estonia is very high. “Tartu Südamekodu has been operating for only two years, but during that time we have already expanded the building once and are now beginning construction of the third phase. The need for places suitable for people with dementia is particularly great. Every new place gives another family the opportunity to find a safe home and the necessary professional support for their loved one,” Mälberg said.

Tartu Südamekodu currently has 180 care places, and demand for them has remained very high. Once the new phase is completed, the total number of places will increase to 252.

“The new two-storey wing has been designed specifically with the needs of people with dementia in mind. It will feature twin rooms and spacious communal areas for dining, leisure and a variety of activities,” said Andri Võsokovski, Director of Tartu Südamekodu. The extension will be connected to the existing building by a spacious corridor featuring a seating and meeting area.

“In addition to professional care, a person with dementia needs an environment that supports their daily life and provides a sense of security. When developing the new wing, we are therefore focusing both on the layout of the premises and on ensuring that we have enough appropriately trained employees. To open the new places, we will recruit and train additional staff who understand and can respond to the needs of residents with dementia,” Võsokovski added.

Tartu Südamekodu is being expanded in cooperation with EfTEN Real Estate Fund AS. RIS Ehitus OÜ submitted the best bid in the procurement process organised to select the construction company. The estimated cost of the extension is approximately €2.75 million, excluding VAT.
Tartu Südamekodu is located at Ermi 13 in Raadi, close to the Estonian National Museum. The building was designed specifically as an elderly care home, taking both residents’ needs and employees’ working conditions into account from the outset. The first phase of the building, developed in cooperation with EfTEN, opened in 2024. The second phase was completed in 2025, adding 60 places, including a dedicated unit for people with dementia. Before the construction of the third phase, approximately €8 million had been invested in the development and expansion of Tartu Südamekodu.

Südamekodud is part of Penta Hospitals International, Central Europe’s largest provider of healthcare and long-term social care. Südamekodud is Estonia’s largest provider of elderly care services. The group comprises 12 elderly care homes across Estonia, providing a home for more than 1,500 residents and employing 750 people. The group’s care homes operate in Tartu, Käru, Piigaste, Lihula, Värska, Saaremaa, Kunda, Kohtla-Järve, Valkla, Paide and the Tallinn districts of Merivälja and Pirita. Construction is nearing completion in Hiiu, Tallinn, where Nõmme Südamekodu will become the group’s 13th elderly care home, providing a safe and modern home for 170 elderly people. Südamekodud aims to create and develop living environments where people can spend their later years in safety and comfort.