ROC Legislature OKs long-term care services bill

2015/05/19

A draft bill for long-term care services set to benefit 800,000 Taiwan families with disabled or elderly members from 2017 was passed May 15 by the ROC Legislature.

Budgeted at NT$12 billion (US$394.4 million) over five years, the legislation prioritizes the development of long-term care capabilities for ROC nationals with at least six months of documented conditions.

Deng Su-wen, director of the Ministry of Health and Welfare’s Department of Nursing and Health Care, said funding sources are expected to comprise general budget, tobacco surcharges, private-sector donations and prospective long-term care insurance.

“Now the concept of long-term care has passed into law, the government has a legal foundation to establish a dedicated system and expand its scope to include those affected by senile dementia or residing in the remote regions.”

Care services covered by the legislation span home visits, housekeeping, physical care, rehabilitation and transportation, Deng said, adding that qualified patients also have the right to arrange individual caregivers via direct recruitment or through agencies.

In addition, the bill stipulates that caregivers are required to take training courses before commencing duties, and existing service providers or institutions have two years to ensure staffers are certified.

According to statistics compiled by the National Development Council, Taiwan is aging at an accelerating rate. A total of 14 percent of the population is expected to be 65 or over in 2018, with this number climbing into the super-aged category of 20 percent in 2025.

“The current situation serves as a salient reminder of the need for enhanced measures to ensure Taiwan’s sustainable development,” Deng said. “We also look forward to passage of an accompanying long-term care insurance bill to strengthen government efforts in this regard.”

Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=230512&ctNode=413)