MOHW diversifies care for dementia patients

The Ministry of Health and Welfare said Jan. 20 that the ministry is committed to diversifying services for dementia patients in accordance with condition severity to provide the most appropriate and professional care.

According to the MOHW, the Long-term Care Plan 2.0 launched in 2017 has stipulated that dementia patients of extremely mild, mild, moderate and severe symptoms shall be taken into care by facilities in line with their severity. Those with extremely mild and mild symptoms are encouraged to go to dementia care stations to participate in activities to stimulate cognition and thus mitigate symptoms, the ministry said.

For those in moderate and severe groups, long-term care institutions are recommended for high professional care personnel to patient ratio and the establishment of barrier-free facilities and equipment, the MOHW said. Such institutions also provide catering and transportation services, activities to advance patients’ self-care and social activity while offering guidance and consultation for family members, it added.

The ministry went on to say that starting 2025, if the condition of a patient served by a dementia care station deteriorates, the local government shall help to transfer the patient to long-term care management centers and case managers within six months. If the transfer is not successful, the original care station may continue to provide services to the patient, it added.

In response to the annual increase in numbers of people with dementia, the ministry is working hard to encourage local governments to implement appropriate care resources according to disease stage, thus ensuring that patients receive appropriate and professional services, the MOHW said. It added that it also provides subsidies for dementia care stations and long-term care facilities for patients with severe conditions to alleviate the burden on relatives. (YCH-E)