Before (left) and after (right) of a home improvement carried out under the program [Gwanak-gu]
Before (left) and after (right) of a home improvement carried out under the program [Gwanak-gu]

Gwanak-gu in Seoul announced Friday that it is running a home improvement and visiting rehabilitation program tailored to residents with limited mobility. The district has committed about 130 million won ($98,100) to the initiative, which pairs physical home modifications with in-home rehabilitation services as part of an integrated care approach.

The program targets residents aged 65 and older who have difficulty moving around, as well as people under 65 with severe physical or brain lesion disabilities. Rather than simple repairs, it takes a comprehensive look at each recipient's physical condition and living environment, with a focus on preventing falls and supporting independent daily life.

Support covers three areas: small-scale home modifications such as installing safety bars, removing door thresholds and adding non-slip surfaces; lifestyle environment consulting including furniture rearrangement and clearing movement pathways; and in-home exercise instruction aimed at fall prevention and improving muscle strength and balance. Services are tailored to each recipient's physical condition and home layout.

So far this year, occupational therapists and physical therapists have visited the homes of 55 residents to conduct preliminary assessments. Based on the results, 40 households have received customized home modifications and lifestyle consulting suited to their physical characteristics and living conditions.

Where needed, the district also arranged in-home exercise sessions. Even for residents who did not require structural modifications, those needing rehabilitation due to declining physical function or recovery from a fall received a combined total of 220 in-home exercise sessions. One elderly beneficiary said the program had made a real difference. "The therapist came directly to my home to help with rehabilitation exercises, and they removed the door threshold and installed safety bars, so I worry much less about falling," the resident said. "Living at home is now much more comfortable and safe — it has been a great help."

Gwanak-gu District Mayor Park Jun-hee described the program as a meaningful example of collaborative governance. "This project was built together through residents' suggestions, private-sector expertise and the district's support framework," Park said. "We will continue to develop a comprehensive Gwanak-style integrated care system so that elderly residents and people with disabilities can lead healthy, safe lives in the homes they know."


cook@heraldcorp.com