Uiwang City Rolls Out In-Home Dementia Management Services

[Suwon Ilbo=Reporter Kim Su-ji] Uiwang City announced on the 24th that it has launched an 'in-home dementia management service' to minimize care gaps for dementia seniors who are vulnerable to infection due to the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic.

The Uiwang City Dementia Relief Center has remained closed since February to prevent the spread of COVID-19, and all programs including dementia prevention classes and cognitive enhancement programs have been suspended.

In response, the city health center continues to provide one-to-one monitoring services to dementia seniors, including check-in calls, respiratory hygiene guidelines, and medication management.

Starting from the 27th, the center plans to directly visit a total of 124 seniors, including users of mild-care shelter programs, high-risk case management recipients, and dementia family education participants, to distribute 'dementia care kits' and provide in-home dementia management services including 'dementia case management.'

The 'dementia care kit' comprises seven items (cognitive enhancement puzzles, companion plants, hand grip strengtheners, face masks, pain relief patches, antibacterial towels, and hand sanitizer wet wipes) designed to help seniors maintain cognitive health and prevent infectious diseases. In accordance with social distancing guidelines, Dementia Relief Center staff will conduct visits without in-person contact and provide remote counseling.

Kim Jae-bok, head of the Uiwang City Health Center, said, "We anticipate that the in-home dementia management service will greatly help ease anxiety and provide psychological stability for seniors who may experience increased isolation due to COVID-19," adding, "We will do our best to operate various services to minimize care gaps for dementia seniors until the COVID-19 situation ends."