Director Huang Pin-Hsuan, Community Nursing Center
Aging Challenge Sparks New Demand for Home Healthcare
According to the population projections from the National Development Council, Taiwan’s population aged 65 and above has surpassed 20%, officially entering a super-aged society. The aging population brings increasing demand for care of chronic diseases and acute symptoms. The traditional inpatient care model not only burdens the healthcare system but also increases the risk of infections and disabilities among the elderly. As a result, the “Home Acute Care” program has been launched to allow patients to receive hospital-level care in the comfort of their familiar and safe home environment.
Policy Promotion and Trial Period
The Ministry of Health and Welfare launched the “Home Acute Care Trial Program” on July 1, 2024. It also opened telemedicine consultations, aiming to provide home-based acute care through cross-professional team collaboration and digital healthcare support. The program integrates doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and home care teams, striving to achieve the goal of “medical care without leaving home, quality care without compromise.” In the 2025 fiscal year, the program will be revised to increase reimbursements for nursing services and improve the overall coverage.
Real Case: Home Rehabilitation for a 95-Year-Old Elder
The Home Acute Care team recently assisted a 95-year-old elder, Mr. Liao, who had been bedridden for over four years due to severe disability. His daughter had been caring for him at home. During a routine visit by the home care nurse, Chen Yu-Jie, a urinary tract infection was detected, and he was referred to the Home Acute Care team for additional care. He became the first case managed by this team.
Building a New Model of Community Integrated Care
Director Huang Pin-Hsuan of the Community Nursing Center at Tri-Service General Hospital stated: “Home Acute Care is not only a transformation in the delivery of healthcare services but also represents a patient-centered care philosophy. Through the collaboration of a cross-professional team, we extend medical care to the home, providing immediate and reassuring care for the elderly in a familiar environment.”
Tri-Service General Hospital will continue to improve the home care process, combining telemedicine and home nursing networks, to create a sustainable model for community-integrated healthcare. This will ensure that “medical care at home” becomes a gentle yet strong protection in our aging society.