Full coverage for those at or below median income threshold
City to offer home-visit and short-term facility options
'Will ease double caregiving burden on adults in their 40s and 50s'
The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced Saturday that it will launch a pilot program in the second half of this year to provide up to 2.4 million won ($1,740) in caregiving services for residents aged 65 and older who need support after being discharged from hospital.
Eligible recipients include seniors aged 65 and older discharged from hospital, patients referred through integrated care networks upon discharge, and those who do not qualify for long-term care ratings or are awaiting assessment.
Seniors at or below 100 percent of the standard median income threshold will receive full coverage. Those who meet that income threshold and have already exhausted their existing annual care service limit of 1.8 million won will be eligible for up to 2.4 million won in caregiving support.
The service will be offered in two formats: home visits and short-term facility stays. Under the home-visit option, a care worker will visit seniors who are able to return home, providing physical assistance, health and household support, and hospital accompaniment. The service can be used for up to 30 days at four hours per day, with the specific schedule determined by each individual's care plan.
For seniors who cannot return home immediately after discharge, the city will offer round-the-clock caregiving at short-term care facilities, where medical staff will monitor residents' health continuously.
Once the service period ends, participants will be connected to home-visit care or integrated care programs. The city has allocated 1.912 billion won for the project and plans to analyze the results of this year's pilot before expanding it into a full-scale program starting next year.
Residents wishing to apply can do so by phone or in person at their local community service center. Inquiries can also be directed to the Ansim Dolbom 120 helpline or the Dasan Call Center.
"We will help seniors in recovery after discharge return to their daily lives as quickly as possible, and by expanding caregiving support, we also aim to ease the double burden on adults in their 40s and 50s who are simultaneously raising children and caring for aging parents," said Jeong Jin-woo, Seoul Metropolitan Government welfare director.
ken@heraldcorp.com
