President Tsai visits Level A Community Integrated Services Center in Tainan's Eastern District
On the afternoon of June 9, President Tsai Ing-wen visited the Level A Community Integrated Services Center in the Eastern District of Tainan City in southern Taiwan. The president spoke about concrete actions taken by the government to implement Long-Term Care 2.0 Plan and the results that have been achieved, as well as her hope for the future establishment, through provision of various types of services, of a comprehensive long-term care system which people can "find, see, access, and afford," thus allowing the elderly to better receive appropriate care.
Following her arrival, President Tsai first received a briefing from Director General Liu Shu-hui (劉淑惠) of the Tainan City Government Bureau of Social Affairs regarding the overall care model and planning of the Long-Term Care 2.0 Plan. The president then delivered an address in which she indicated that the Long-Term Care 2.0 Plan is one of the most important policies of the government. After a year of efforts, she said, many new care facilities have opened, making it clear that front-line implementation by local governments would be crucial to the policy's success.
President Tsai pointed out that, on top of participation by the private sector to mobilize civic resources and compassion, the Long-Term Care 2.0 Plan should also link to the medical care system. She noted that in addition to large medical institutions, local community hospitals can also play an important role, and she encouraged everyone in the medical field in Taiwan to participate in the plan.
The president stated her belief that elderly persons with dementia require different kinds of care from that given to those with other disabilities. Cognitive impairment in the elderly may involve not just forgetfulness but also mood swings, and in particular, women responsible for elderly care bear a heavy burden in addition to their work and family duties.
President Tsai further noted that subsidies for respite services and safety oversight provided under the new Long-Term Care 2.0 Plan will allow periods of rest for family members caring for elderly persons affected by dementia. She said that only adequate periods of rest can allow caregivers to provide the appropriate needed care.
The president said, "You and I will all grow old, and we'll all need care." The government will not place the entire burden of care on the family, but instead hopes that through the provision of various services, it can establish a comprehensive long-term care system which people can "find, see, access, and afford." Only when "the government assists you in caring for the elderly" can young people and those in the prime of life devote their full energy to business.
President Tsai then toured the Level A Community Integrated Services Center to understand the types of entertainment, cultural and educational activities it provides for the elderly. She also talked with family members to understand the feelings and needs of family caregivers. Afterwards the president took group photos with the elderly there, whose cheerful smiles and healthy bodies made a deep impression on her.