Hoengseong County, a mountainous region in Gangwon Province with a rapidly aging population, is implementing an integrated home care policy to address significant gaps in medical and welfare services. The initiative targets areas where 65+ residents make up about 40% of the population and where geographic isolation limits access to hospitals and clinics. By focusing on bringing medical and care services directly to residents’ homes, the policy aims to reduce barriers and improve quality of life for vulnerable groups. The approach is designed to fill daily ‘medical gaps’ and support those who find traditional healthcare facilities difficult to reach.
The primary beneficiaries are elderly and disabled residents, especially those with limited mobility or living in remote villages. Services include regular home visits by doctors, nurses, and social workers, offering not only medical care but also connecting residents with additional support such as companionship programs. In 2023, 87.1% of 210 surveyed participants chose home-based medical, nursing, or rehabilitation services, indicating high satisfaction. Family caregivers also report reduced burdens, with nearly 70% noting relief after the program’s introduction.
The integrated care program moves away from the previous fragmented welfare model, where individuals had to apply separately for each service. Instead, local experts assess needs and coordinate support through mandatory ‘integrated support meetings,’ ensuring personalized and continuous care. The main phase of the policy launches on March 27, 2026, with ongoing adjustments to address rural challenges such as long travel times, limited medical staff, and the need for telemedicine solutions. Local governments are encouraged to tailor operations to their unique circumstances.
Frequently asked questions include: How does integrated home care differ from traditional welfare? Unlike previous systems, services are proactively coordinated and delivered based on assessed needs, not just upon request. What challenges remain? Rural distances and staffing shortages limit the number of daily visits, prompting trials of nurse-led home visits and remote consultations. How are care plans managed? Regular meetings monitor changes in recipients’ conditions and adjust support accordingly, ensuring ongoing, individualized care.
Metaqsol opinion: Hoengseong County’s integrated home care policy marks a substantial advancement in rural welfare delivery, as evidenced by high satisfaction among elderly and disabled residents and reduced burdens for family caregivers. The program’s proactive, needs-based approach addresses longstanding gaps in access to medical and social services. However, persistent challenges such as staffing shortages and rural distances highlight the need for continued adaptation, including telemedicine and nurse-led visits. Ongoing local customization and inter-agency collaboration will be critical for the policy’s long-term sustainability and effectiveness.