TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Chi Mei Medical Center's comprehensive home care solution for seniors is an example for super-aged societies, the Tainan hospital said Tuesday.
A 24-hour call center means it can assist with post-prognosis residential care referrals, pre-discharge planning, and other issues. This saves individuals and family members trouble and repeat visits, said Chi Mei Medical Center Superintendent Lin Hung-jung (林宏榮), per CNA.
Center for Integrated Medicine Director Huang Chien-cheng (黃建程) said the hospital has provided specialized home care for over a decade. It has 50 physicians across 14 departments and has addressed over 2,000 calls and nearly 500 emergencies.
Chi Mei can respond to virtually any discovered condition with the right practitioner and equipment. Portable diagnostic devices allow invasive surgeries to be completed onsite, complemented by video conferencing with other doctors, per Chi Mei Medical Center.
Most home care users are 80 years and older, with one notable exception being two brothers suffering from muscular dystrophy.
Comprehensive home care is partially covered by National Health Insurance. It aims to alleviate healthcare inequality, honoring the wishes of its founder Shi Wen-long (許文龍), per ChinaTimes.
Shi, who passed away in 2023, founded the hospital as part of a cultural program that included Chi Mei Museum. He wanted people to remember Chi Mei not just for its petrochemical business, but also for its positive social impact.
