Seoul's Gangbuk-gu district office announced this month it is formally launching an integrated care program for severely disabled residents under 65, designed to help them live stably within their communities by linking healthcare, daily care and housing support.
Unlike the existing senior integrated care model centered on neighborhood community centers, the new program places the district office in charge of both administration and service delivery. The district has streamlined the process by eliminating complex preliminary screening steps and introducing a single comprehensive assessment system.
The program is open to severely disabled Gangbuk-gu residents under 65 who require integrated care. In the initial phase, priority will be given to those with physical and brain lesion disabilities, who tend to have complex medical and care needs, though all severely disabled residents requiring integrated care are eligible.
Services are organized in stages covering health, medical and rehabilitation support, assistance with daily living, and in-home care. Eligible residents can access a total of 65 tailored services, including home visit medical care, in-home healthcare, disability activity support, the Care SOS project, a mobile disability-friendly hair salon — a district-specific initiative — and connections to public rental housing.
Residents in need of integrated care are identified and referred through public and private integrated care support channels, and they or their guardians can apply at their neighborhood community center. The National Pension Service then conducts a comprehensive assessment, after which the district office's welfare policy division draws up an individual support plan. The plan is finalized following review by an integrated support committee.
After services begin, the district will conduct regular monitoring every three months. Should warning signs such as falls occur, the district will file a report within 48 hours and adjust the support plan or connect the resident to relevant services within seven days, ensuring ongoing follow-up care.
"Through this integrated care initiative, we have built a tight-knit cooperation network linking the district office, private organizations and public institutions," Gangbuk-gu District Mayor Jeong Chang-su said. "We will do our utmost to ensure that disabled residents who need medical care and support can live stable, fulfilling lives alongside their families and neighbors in the communities they call home."
seouldream01@heraldcorp.com
