TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — New Taipei City Government plans to model a long-term care community after the Netherlands’ Hogeweyk, which provides care for seniors with dementia and disabilities, CNA reported on Wednesday.

Established in 2009, Hogeweyk is the world's first dementia care community. It is home to about 150 seniors who live with a good level of independence and support from caregivers. The facility includes shops, restaurants, and a theater to help residents maintain their lifestyles.

Mayor Hou Yu-ih (侯友宜) led a delegation of city officials to visit the community. They learned about its spatial design, caregiver staffing, and activity planning for elderly residents. Hou praised the facility's efforts to help seniors maintain independent lives.

New Taipei has around 790,000 residents aged 65 and over, making up 19.5% of the city's population. Among them, an estimated 57,000 individuals are living with dementia.

In response to the growing demand for long-term care, Hou said the city government has been developing a localized care system. In Pingxi District — the city’s fastest-aging community — the city government has expanded dementia care services. It has also deployed numerous caregivers to carry out programs aimed at delaying the onset of dementia and physical decline.

The city government also plans to develop long-term care communities in Sanzhi and Tamsui Districts, Hou added. The facilities will combine care institutions, public health centers, and age-friendly housing. The facilities are expected to feature AI-powered systems and technologies to support caregiving.

Hou noted that New Taipei's long-term care policies align with the Cabinet's new program set to be implemented next year. The initiative focuses on strengthening community-based care, integrating long-term care facilities with medical services, offering subsidies for caregiver wages, and expanding the care workforce.