Taipei: With Taiwan on the brink of becoming a "super-aged society" by 2025, the government is gearing up to introduce the "long-term care program 3.0" in the first half of next year. This initiative aims to offer more comprehensive care for the elderly and provide relief for home caregivers, as disclosed by Vice Premier Cheng Li-chiun. According to Focus Taiwan, Vice Premier Cheng highlighted in an interview that a cross-ministries long-term care task force under the Executive Yuan is diligently crafting the details of the plan. The new program is anticipated to not only extend its services to a larger number of elderly individuals but also to integrate local healthcare services with welfare mechanisms, thereby building a robust long-term care system within the country. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines a super-aged society as one where 20 percent of the population is aged 65 or older, compared to an aged society with 14 percent and an aging society with 7 percent in this age group. Taiwan was cl assified as an "aging society" in 1993 and transitioned to an "aged society" in 2018. By 2025, it is expected to officially become a "super-aged society." In his inauguration speech on May 20, President Lai Ching-te underscored the objective of achieving a "healthier Taiwan." As part of this vision, the government has implemented measures including the long-term care plan 3.0, which aims to enhance elderly care services by expanding the number of care venues through the integration of healthcare and welfare resources. Cheng noted that since former President Tsai Ing-wen unveiled the long-term care plan 2.0 in 2016, there has been a significant increase in the number of service providers, budget allocations, and care venues. Over the past three years, the percentage of people receiving care has consistently risen, reaching 80.19 percent in 2023, up from 69.51 percent in 2022 and 56.60 percent in 2021. Taiwan is aiming to serve 87 percent of those in need over the next four years by enhancing its long-term c are services. Under the long-term care plan 2.0, the country has established numerous venues in neighborhoods to offer home caregiving, dining, and health promotion services. Looking forward, Cheng stated that the long-term care plan 3.0 will prioritize families caring for members with severe illnesses, as they face significant financial burdens. The forthcoming plan is expected to provide diverse and continuous care to those in need. Cheng also noted the frequent readmissions of critically-ill patients into hospitals due to worsening conditions, placing further strain on their families. Despite being admitted to caregiving institutions, their fragile health often leads them back to hospitals, causing psychological distress for their families.
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