Taiwan to launch home visit program for seniors living alone

台灣將推出「獨居長者普查」計劃

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Health Minister Shih Chung-liang (石崇良) said the ministry and the interior ministry will launch a home visit program next year to assess the health and independence of seniors living alone and coordinate related care services.

Speaking at a seminar on community care for seniors held by the Taiwan Social Welfare Alliance on Sunday, Shih said about 700,000 seniors live alone in Taiwan, per CNA. With an aging population and declining birth rates, the number of such seniors is likely to increase. The program aims to establish a database and enhance access to proper care resources.

As of September, 19.8% of Taiwan's population was aged 65 or older, approaching the World Health Organization's 20% threshold for a super-aged society. In response, the government will allocate NT$6.2 billion (US$200 million) for the program, ensuring that each senior living alone receives at least one visit.

Shih said the program will assess seniors living alone based on their family support, health, and self-care abilities, categorizing them into high, medium, or low-risk groups. Seniors needing closer attention will be provided with services such as meal delivery, social worker visits, or emergency alert devices.

Shih noted that home-based healthcare is emerging as a key trend, with technological aids such as smart wristbands and mobility devices expected to improve senior care. He added that the ministry will roll out the long-term care 3.0 plan next year, focusing on integrating medical services with long-term care, strengthening community-based support, and using technology to help older adults live independently.

Medical institutions will support seniors with chronic illnesses by enhancing at-home care plans and integrating telemedicine services. The ministry also plans to expand the hiring of foreign caregivers, recruit local volunteers, and promote mid-career re-employment programs to increase the long-term care workforce.

Last year, about 892,000 people in Taiwan required long-term care, the ministry said. The sector has roughly 50,000 workers, but only around 1,800 are under 25, highlighting low interest among young people. Tu Hsin-ning (涂心寧), chair of a home care service alliance, attributed the shortage to low pay and unclear promotion paths.