Gangjin-gun Operates Psychological Support Program for Seniors

Gangjin-gun visits the homes of elderly people living alone to provide counseling and healing packages. (Photo by Gangjin-gun)

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Yong-su] Gangjin-gun, Jeonnam, has been operating a psychological support program since October for residents struggling due to COVID-19.

According to Gangjin-gun on the 23rd, counseling was initially conducted for patients with severe mental illnesses and their families, and from the 23rd, psychological support is being provided to elderly people aged 75 and over living alone.

They visit the homes of elderly people living alone to meet them in person, check their overall health condition, and provide in-depth counseling and case management services.

Among about 2,000 elderly people living alone who underwent depression screening, approximately 140 high-risk elderly with high depression scores were selected. Mental health welfare center specialists visit the elderly households directly to conduct counseling and provide healing packages.

As the COVID-19 situation continues with fear of infection and resulting movement restrictions, elderly people are placed under stress, and depressive symptoms are worsening.

Accordingly, the Gangjin-gun Public Health Center has deployed dedicated personnel from the Mental Health Welfare Center to monitor the well-being of the elderly and comfort their minds by operating the psychological support program.

Through home visits, the degree of depression in the elderly is assessed, proper medication adherence and hygiene practices are checked, and if necessary, consultations are referred to psychiatrists or linked to mental health medical institutions.

Additionally, emergency support recipients are identified and connected with customized welfare teams in towns and townships to receive comprehensive services. Healing packages consisting of eight items, including cognitive rehabilitation supplies, functional foods for nutrition, and hygiene products, are provided to the elderly.

This psychological support program for elderly people at high risk of depression will continue until the end of the year in cooperation with life support workers from the Gangjin-gun Customized Care Center.

Seo Hyun-mi, director of the Gangjin-gun Public Health Center, said, “Elderly people living alone, who are vulnerable to COVID-19, are struggling with anxiety and depression. We will do our best to comfort and encourage their difficult minds and help them maintain a healthy life, even if only a little.”

For inquiries about depression prevention and management, contact the Gangjin-gun Public Health Center Mental Health Welfare Center.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.