Daegu City Expands Support for Seniors Transitioning Home from Hospital

Daegu City, South Korea, is bolstering support for vulnerable seniors discharged from the hospital, aiming to prevent health deterioration and readmissions. The initiative, aligned with the recently enforced ‘Act on Integrated Support for Medical, Nursing and Care,’ will provide short-term intensive services to support seniors safely recover at home and resume their daily routines.

New Services Under the Integrated Care Act

The ‘Act on Integrated Support for Medical, Nursing, and Care’ went into effect on March 27th, paving the way for enhanced community-based care. This legislation underscores a broader national effort to strengthen integrated community care, as highlighted by the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) in Korea [3]. The new services in Daegu are designed to bridge the gap in care that often occurs immediately following hospital discharge.

Eligibility and Support Details

Eligible recipients are individuals aged 65 and older who require assistance with reintegrating into daily life after hospitalization and qualify for integrated care services. The program will support a total of 586 individuals this year.

Daegu City is allocating a budget of 500 million won to fund these intensive care services. Benefits are capped at 848,000 won per person for one month, with specific limits for each service component:

• Nutritional Support (meals): 100,000 won per month
• Housework Support: 32 hours per month
• Outing Companion Support: 12 hours per month

Service Delivery Through Local Care Centers

The services will be delivered through nine home-based senior care centers operating within Daegu’s districts and counties. These centers serve as central hubs for customized senior care. Professional personnel, including nursing care workers and living support workers, will provide direct in-home assistance, encompassing nutritional support, housework assistance, and companionship for outings.

How to Apply

Seniors or their guardians interested in accessing these services can apply at their local district/county administrative welfare center starting March 27th.

National Context and Future Outlook

This initiative reflects a broader national trend in Korea towards integrated community care, which has been a priority agenda item even through political transitions [3]. The MOHW introduced the “Medical–Care Integrated Support Pilot Program for Older Adults” in July 2023, selecting 12 local governments for participation. The Act on Integrated Support for Community Care Including Medical and Nursing Services aims to improve the coordination of medical and social services, particularly for an aging population [1], [2].