Namgu District of Gwangju Ushers in Era of Integrated Medical and Long-Term Care: "Receive Treatment at Home"

Nambu District in Gwangju is ushering in an era of receiving treatment at home ahead of the nationwide implementation of the integrated medical and nursing care service. Provided by Gwangju Nambu District

Namgu District of Gwangju is accelerating efforts to usher in an era of receiving treatment at home, ahead of the nationwide implementation of integrated medical and long-term care services.

According to Namgu District on March 26, an elderly patient, referred to as Mr. A, who is preparing to be discharged after joint replacement surgery, will soon return home from the hospital and receive rehabilitation and other care at home.

This is because Mr. A will be supported by the "Home Return Support for Discharged Patients," a project that is part of the integrated medical and long-term care services. The hospital where Mr. A underwent surgery is a medical institution that has signed an agreement with the district office. The hospital notified the district office that community-based care would be needed after discharge.

Namgu District plans to quickly establish a care plan for elderly patients who require rest after surgery. The district will provide a customized exercise service, with a physical therapist visiting the patient's home together with a dedicated public official, as well as emergency care services for household support such as cleaning and laundry.

Another elderly resident, Mr. B, who became isolated from outside activities after the death of his spouse, also receives assistance at home. Struggling with depression and mild cognitive impairment to the extent that it is difficult to manage medication, Mr. B will benefit from Namgu District's plan to provide "AI Care Robots" to 100 elderly people with early-stage dementia and mild cognitive impairment.

The robot offers companionship, medication reminders, emergency response, and support for leisure activities such as singing and quizzes, helping to alleviate emotional isolation and assist with daily living.

In addition, Namgu District has signed an agreement with the Namgu Association of Korean Medicine Doctors to launch a specialized project called the "Energy-Boosting Korean Medicine Support Program." Under this program, doctors will visit the homes of patients who have had surgery or hospitalization within the past month to provide examinations and customized herbal medicine tailored to each individual.

Through these initiatives, Namgu District is providing a wide range of care services, from household support and home medical visits to region-specific specialized services, as it adapts to the era of integrated medical and long-term care. The district is actively working to establish a standard model of integrated care by shifting from hospital-centered to life-centered medical services, expanding home treatment, and promoting the sharing of social care responsibilities.

For questions related to integrated medical and long-term care services, residents can contact their local administrative welfare center.

An official from Namgu District stated, "Now, even if you are ill, you can receive treatment where you live," adding, "We will strengthen integrated care so that local residents can continue to live healthy lives while receiving ongoing support from the community."

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