pLOG

2025-02-17

Government-Designated Home-Based Long-Term Care with "Care Companion" for Secure Health and Care

According to statistical data, Taiwan is expected to enter a super-aged society by 2025, with the population aged 65 and above reaching 20.6%. The Ministry of Health and Welfare forecasts that Taiwan will officially enter a super-aged society in 2026, with the proportion of elderly individuals in the total population continuing to rise. It is projected that by 2039, this percentage will exceed 30%, and by 2070, it will reach 43.6%. The care needs of elderly family members have become a key issue for many households. Currently, the majority of elderly individuals prefer to live in the comfort of their homes. However, the challenge lies in providing high-quality care while alleviating the burden on family members, and supporting caregivers has also become an important topic.

Long-Term Care 3.0 Expands Home-Based Care Services

Staying in a Familiar Living Environment for Elderly Care
Living at home not only contributes to psychological stability for elderly individuals but also reduces the stress of adapting to unfamiliar environments.


Customized Service Plans by Designated Agencies 
Based on the elderly person’s health conditions and daily habits, designated agencies can create personalized care plans, in addition to basic subsidy options, tailored to the specific needs of the caregiver.


Promoting Family Harmony 
The process of shared care among family members allows them to participate in the caregiving process, reduces the burden, and enables more precious family time spent with the elderly.


Effectively Reducing Infection Risks 
Elderly individuals do not need to frequently visit care facilities or hospitals, and can receive professional care at home, significantly reducing the likelihood of infections.

Long-term care services aim to assist elderly individuals or specific groups who require daily living assistance. To apply for home-based care from a designated agency, individuals can apply for an assessment through 1955. Eligibility criteria for services include:

*Age Conditions: 

  • Elderly individuals aged 65 or older
  • Indigenous people aged 50 or older
  • Dementia patients aged 55 or older
  • In specific cases of severe functional decline due to major illnesses or accidents, individuals under the specified age can be included in the service after a professional evaluation. 


*Specific Physical and Mental Conditions: Regardless of age, individuals whose functional abilities have significantly declined due to illness, accidents, or other reasons.

  • Inability to perform three or more Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) independently.
  • Need for assistance to complete basic life functions.
  • Diagnosed with specific diseases (e.g., dementia, Parkinson’s disease) impacting daily functions.

*Health and Functional Status:

  1. Professional assessments confirm at least one of the following difficulties:
  • Inability to independently perform basic activities (e.g., eating, toileting, bathing).
  • Need for professional nursing or rehabilitation services due to physical function decline.
  • Ongoing care support needed for chronic illnesses, functional decline, or accidents.

    2. The evaluation includes six key indicators: cognitive function, mobility, nutrition, vision, hearing, and depression, providing a comprehensive understanding of the elderly’s condition.

*Economic Conditions:

  1. Low- and middle-income households: Additional subsidies and reductions are available.
  2. Economically disadvantaged families: Relevant documentation is required to qualify for subsidies.
     

Four Key Features of Home-Based Long-Term Care Services

  1. Daily Living Care: Peace of Mind at Home 
    Professional caregivers assist with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and feeding, ensuring the elderly can maintain basic living abilities and avoid accidents due to limited mobility.
  2. Accompanying to Medical Appointments and Outings: No More Worry About Appointments
    Professional caregivers accompany elderly individuals to medical appointments, community activities, or outings, allowing family members to arrange their own schedules with peace of mind.
  3. Environmental Safety Assessment: Creating a Safe and Comfortable Home
    Experts assist in reviewing the home environment and recommend modifications such as installing handrails, non-slip mats, and other accessibility features to enhance safety.

Short-Term Respite Care: Support for Family Caregivers

Respite care services provide short-term relief for primary caregivers, allowing them to recharge and continue supporting the elderly in better health.
Long-Term Care 3.0 encourages designated agencies to offer a variety of services such as remote care, home-based rehabilitation, nutritional counseling, and psychological support. In partnership with Care Company, a long-term care agency in Taipei, the 114th year will see the integration of digital health technology to provide enhanced home care services with a companion approach.