Premier Chang San-cheng today directed government agencies to continue building a senior-friendly health care environment that will allow the elderly to enjoy a quality, healthy lifestyle in their golden years.
Speaking at the Cabinet's weekly meeting, the premier indicated that the government as of 2015 had certified 206 institutes for senior-friendly care, a development much welcomed by Taiwan's elderly population. Chang asked the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) to move ahead toward the goal of certifying 500 institutions by 2018.
"Building a long-term care system from interconnected networks, big data technology and information systems is an innovative approach to creating a smart health care and living environment," Chang said.
The certification system for senior-friendly care facilities was introduced in 2011 by the MOHW's Health Promotion Administration in anticipation of the burden of caring for an aging population. The aim of certification is to guide Taiwan's care facilities in providing friendly, professional and dignified services to elderly people.
The certification process consists of an evaluation of 60 items under the four categories of management policy, communication and service, care procedure, and physical environment.
"Keeping senior citizens healthy is the only way to ensure the sustainability of Taiwan's society, long-term care system, and national health insurance scheme," the MOHW said.
Looking ahead, the ministry will work on innovative, value-added initiatives such as a nationwide health promotion program and the creation of economic opportunities from the elder care industry. As an example, domestic institutions that develop innovative services and products can attract international attention by filing intellectual property patents or sharing their findings with the international community, the MOHW said.