DAEJEON — Prime Minister Han Seong-sook said on the 16th that the government will open 30 public care centers in areas with limited access to community care services starting next year, aiming to narrow regional gaps in support.
Han made the remarks at a roundtable on community-based integrated care held in Daejeon's Seo District. "The services available to people who need care should not differ depending on where they live," she said. She added that the government will "draw up the first basic plan for integrated care to strengthen support tailored to demand and conditions in each region."
Han said about 78,000 people have been connected to an average of 3.5 services each since community-based integrated care began in earnest in March this year. Still, she said a number of issues remain to be addressed on the ground, including disparities in services between regions.
In response, the government plans to expand cooperation with social and solidarity economy organizations, including private groups and local volunteer associations, to broaden the base for providing care services within communities.
Han also cited better conditions for care workers as a task ahead. "The spread of integrated care also helps increase local jobs as part of the social solidarity economy," she said. "We will look into the conditions of care workers who are struggling in difficult environments."
Han visited a dementia care center in Daejeon's Dong District to review support for dementia patients and their families. She also heard about the operation of prevention and management programs, such as early dementia screening, and difficulties faced on the ground.
She called for stronger outreach and publicity. "No matter how good a program is, it is useless if people do not know about it and cannot use it," Han told Ministry of Health and Welfare officials and local staff. "Strengthen guidance and publicity so that no one who needs care goes without support because they are unaware of the program, and actively seek out those who need help."