TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – As Taiwan soon becomes a “super-aged” society, Vice Premier Cheng Li-chiun (鄭麗君) said the Long-term Care Plan 3.0 will be launched in 2025 to provide more assistance to elderly people and caregivers.

While speaking with local media on Friday (Nov. 8), Cheng said the new plan will strengthen the connection between the nation's medical and home care systems, per CNA. It will also increase nighttime emergency services and promote at-home medical care. 

Over the past three years, Taiwan's demand for long-term care and those receiving such coverage has gradually increased from 56.60% in 2021, 69.51% in 2022, and 80.19% in 2023.

President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) put healthcare at the top of his agenda, and in his May 20 inauguration speech spoke about the goal of achieving a “healthier Taiwan.” The Long Term Care Plan 3.0 will allow Lai to achieve this goal of improving national health through the integration of medical care, nursing, and social welfare services.

Cheng said the new care plan focuses on the elderly and those with severe illness. For example, when people with moderate to severe illnesses are discharged from the hospital, they may need to return for emergency treatment with repeat trips potentially causing a psychological burden for family members.

To counter this, the plan will create more institutional capacity for the elderly and those with severe illness. Furthermore, the quality of institutional care will be improved through more financial support.

As for home care, Cheng said the plan will provide family doctors, nurses, and medical services to the elderly and infirm at home. Furthermore, nighttime and emergency care services will be added.

By dedicating more resources, the elderly and severely ill will be given more resources to actively participate in rehabilitation. The ultimate goal is to return to independent living while reducing the pressure on caregivers.

Cheng said that during the COVID pandemic, doctors undertook remote services and were able to offer more home medical care. Therefore, the key to the Long-Term Care Plan 3.0 is integrating medical care and social welfare to better serve the elderly community. 

In recent years, the number of professional caregivers has grown. This makes integrating manpower and services more important, with the introduction of smart technology potentially improving the entire healthcare system. 

Cheng said that a cross-ministerial task force under the supervision of the Cabinet has been tasked with developing the plan, which is expected to launch in the first half of 2025.