Presentation Information
[SY-92-01]17 years of Long-Term Care Insurance System of Korea for Dementia Patients
*Narei Hong (Daon Clinic(Korea))
Keywords:
Long-term care,Dementia,Aged
Korea has been well known for rapidly aging country. Korean society changed to super-aged society. At 23rd December, 2024, the population of elderly in Korea, who are older than 65 years, reached 20% and Statics Korea estimated that it will be 37.3% of total population in 2045. By this rapid change, the elderly who need care and recuperation, and the period for the care have been duly increasing rapidly. Also, the change of family structures reduces traditional role of family in caring the elderly. The financial state of National Health Insurance also becomes burdensome because of the increase of medical expenses of the elderly. Through this trend, in 2008, Korea introduced universal and public Long-Term Care Insurance System managed by the National Health Insurance Service for the whole nation. It can comprehend various services for the elderly including home- and institution-based care. At first, the system had focused for the elderly with impairment in activities of daily living. However, the needs of long-term care service for many elderly with cognitive impairment and decent health status was directed attention. In 2014, Long-Term Care Insurance System in Korea expanded the coverage for elderly with dementia by addition of a ‘Dementia Special Grade’. In this grade, the elderly and their family can use special long-term care services such as brief cognitive rehabilitation service at home or shorter terms using of day time care facilities.Still the grading systems or specific services for elderly with cognitive impairment in Korean Long-Term Care Insurance System need expanding in quantity and improving in quality.