Community Resources

According to the latest statistics in 2025, Taiwan's elderly population over the age of 65 has exceeded 4 million, accounting for 18% of the total population, officially entering an ultra-aging society. With the advent of the aging society, the health needs of the silver-haired people are increasing year by year, and "oral health" has become an important issue that affects the quality of life. According to research reports, elderly people with missing teeth have delayed treatment due to the high cost of dentures, resulting in eating difficulties, malnutrition and social barriers. To improve this situation, the Kaohsiung City Government has launched the "114-Year-Old Elderly Denture Subsidy Program" in the hope that through financial assistance, more elderly people can have peace of mind and a healthy smile.

Challenges of Taiwan's Aging Wave: New Solutions for Inpatient Care ‍ In recent years, the challenges of Taiwan's aging society have become more acute, and the demand for healthcare for the elderly has continued to rise.2025 A heartbreaking news story sparked a lot of discussion: a delivery worker had no choice but to leave his father at home to wait for his life to come to an end because he couldn't afford to pay for his father's hospitalized care. This is not an isolated case, and reflects the financial and human pressures that many families face when faced with hospitalized care. However, there is a solution to this dilemma! The Ministry of Health and Welfare has launched the "Health Insurance Residential Integrated Care Service", which not only reduces the burden on family members, but also provides more complete inpatient care for patients, and has become a lifesaver for many families. ‍What is "Health Insurance Residential Integrated Care Service"? ‍Simply put, it's a team approach to care provided by hospitals with professional caregivers and nursing assistants. Unlike traditional one-on-one private care, this service uses a "one-to-many" approach to address the basic needs of hospitalized patients, including: Cleaning and comfort care Excretory care Meal assistance Activity and safety maintenance Even better, this service is far less expensive than private care! While it used to cost at least $2,000 to $4,000 a day to hire a personal caregiver, with this program, the cost is only $0 to $1,050 a day, and even free at some hospitals, which can help families save a great deal of money. Why is this service important to you? ‍‍1. It reduces the burden on family members who don't have to stay with the patient full time, and allows them to balance work and family without the physical and emotional strain of hospital care. ‍2. Enhance the quality of inpatient care Professional team care allows patients to receive more comprehensive medical services and reduces the risk of medical negligence. ‍3. Enhance infection control and safetyHospitals manage caregivers centrally, reducing the need for family members to enter and exit the hospital room frequently and lowering the risk of infection. How do I apply? Check if the hospital is participating in the Pilot Program by using the Nursing Aid Finder to find out if the service is available at your local hospital. Check with the nursing station of the hospital Each hospital has different service scope and fee schedule, so it is recommended to check with the nursing station of the hospital directly for more information. Fill in the Informed Consent Form After the hospital has assessed the suitability of the applicant, the applicant is required to sign a consent form to enjoy the service. Which hospitals provide this service? ‍A number of hospitals across Taiwan have joined the pilot program, including NTU Hospital, East Asia Hospital, and Kaohsiung Chang Gung Hospital, etc. Some hospitals even offer the service free of charge (e.g., NTU Hospital, Hutchinson Cancer Center, etc.). For a detailed list, you can quickly check through the "escort search engine". (Aide Finder: https://iics.familycares.com.tw/) Why is "one-to-many" care more effective? Although the "one-to-many" model is adopted for inpatient integrated care services, the quality of care provided by the professionally trained and hospital-managed ancillary caregivers is no less than that provided by private caregivers, and the risk of medical errors and infections can be effectively minimized. In addition, this model allows for a more rational allocation of healthcare resources, ensuring that every hospitalized patient receives the basic care they need. Making hospitalization less of a burden for families ‍ "Health Insurance Residential Integrated Care Services" is not only the government's response to an aging society, but also a blessing for countless families. If you or your family members are facing the challenge of hospitalization, don't miss this service! Check with your hospital to see if it's available, and let the professional team help you through this difficult time.

A few months ago, a heartbreaking long-term care tragedy occurred in New Taipei City. A 73-year-old retired architect, who had been taking care of his wife, who suffered from hydrocephalus, was physically and mentally exhausted and could not cope with the pressure, so he let his wife fall from the 14th floor and then gave himself up. This incident has shocked the community, and what is even more concerning is that in eight similar cases of long-term care tragedies last year, the victims were all men. Behind these tragedies are revelations about the enormous pressure faced by male caregivers and the lack of social support. ‍Male caregivers: the invisible bearers of stress‍When we think of "caregivers," many people's first thought may be of women. However, as the social structure changes, more and more men are taking on the responsibility of family caregiving. According to statistics, the proportion of male caregivers in Taiwan is increasing year by year, but they often face greater psychological pressure and social expectations. ‍The source of stress for male caregivers is not only the physical burden of caregiving, but also the psychological isolation and cultural shackles. Due to traditional expectations of men as "strong and not tired," many men choose to hold back and not ask for help, leading to accumulated stress that may even lead to extreme behaviors. Psychological studies have also pointed out that men tend to be more "problem-solving oriented" than "emotionally expressive" when facing stress, making it more difficult for them to speak up when they need help. ‍ Social Welfare Support in Taiwan: A Life Circle for Male Caregivers ‍ To help male caregivers reduce their stress, the Taiwanese government and local authorities have provided a number of social welfare measures, which are listed below as some of the key resources: ‍1. Long-term Care 2.0 Policy ‍ Taiwan's Long-term Care 2.0 Policy, which provides a diversified range of services to caregivers. Long Term Care 2.0 Policy‍ Taiwan Long Term Care 2.0 Policy provides a wide range of services to support caregivers, in particular: ‍ Respite Services: Caregivers can apply for short-term substitute care, where a professional can take over for a short period of time to help the caregiver get some physical and mental rest. In-home service: professional care service workers come to the home to help with daily care tasks, such as cleaning, mobility or bathing, so as to alleviate the burden of caring. Day care centers: Family members who need long-term care can receive professional care in day care centers so that the caregivers can have time to work or rest. ‍2. Counseling and Support Groups ‍Male caregivers often have mental health problems due to long-term stress. To address this, the government and local agencies provide the following resources: Counseling Services: Through the Department of Health and Welfare or local mental health centers, male caregivers can receive free or low-cost professional counseling to help them release stress. Support groups: Social welfare agencies and community centers have "caregiver support groups" that provide a platform for male caregivers to share their experiences, help them learn caregiving skills, and build a community of mutual support. ‍3. Financial support and subsidies Financial pressure is a major challenge for caregivers, especially when they are unable to work full-time due to their caring responsibilities. The following financial support is provided by the government: Living Supplement for the Physically and Mentally Challenged: If the care recipient meets the qualifications of being physically and mentally challenged, the family can apply for a living supplement to alleviate the financial burden. Caregiver's Allowance: Some local governments provide a caregiver's allowance to subsidize families who are unable to work full-time due to caregiving responsibilities. Long-term care service subsidy: Depending on the family's financial situation, it is possible to apply for a partial or full subsidy for long-term care service fees to reduce the cost of care. ‍4. Specific programs for male caregivers‍In recent years, some local governments and non-profit organizations have launched specific programs for male caregivers, such as: Courses for male caregivers: Provide training on basic caregiving skills, so that male caregivers can have more confidence in coping with challenges. Psychological support programs: Workshops or activities to help male caregivers learn stress management skills and provide psychological support. ‍5. 24-hour hotline for caregivers ‍Taiwan has a number of 24-hour hotlines to provide immediate assistance: 1966 Long-Term Care Hotline: Answers questions related to long term care and helps to link to available resources. Peace of Mind Line 1925: Provides psychological support to help caregivers relieve stress. Why do male caregivers need more attention? ‍ Male caregivers experience stress not only from physical and financial burdens, but also from psychological isolation and cultural expectations. Because men are more likely to feel shame or discomfort when asking for help, they often choose to bear the burden in silence, leaving them unable to release the stress, which can lead to anxiety, depression, and possibly even extreme behavior. Therefore, support systems designed for men should focus more on mental health maintenance and provide resources and services that suit men's needs. ‍ Act with us to support male caregivers! ‍Male caregivers are an important part of family caregiving, but their stresses and challenges are often overlooked. If you have a male caregiver in your life, give them the care and support they need. If you are a male caregiver yourself, remember that you are not alone and there are many resources in the community to help you. ‍We at Sunyu Academy are committed to promoting relevant information and providing professional social work services so that every caregiver can get the help they deserve. Come and interact with us to create a friendlier environment for male caregivers!

近日，台北市又傳出一起令人心痛的意外：一名39歲的靜宜大學助理教授，在住處頂樓加蓋的浴室內，疑因熱水器安裝不當而發生一氧化碳中毒意外。這起事件再次敲響警鐘，提醒我們居家安全的重要性，特別是對於獨居者而言。 根據內政部統計，2023年台灣65歲以上老年人口已突破418萬人，其中獨居長者更高達97萬人。在這些獨居長者中，有超過四成的住家存在不同程度的居家安全風險，包括老舊設備、建築結構問題、以及不符合高齡者使用需求的設施等。 今年72歲的王伯伯的故事，正是眾多獨居長者的縮影。退休前是木工的他，如今獨居在一棟有40年歷史的老公寓裡。「房子裡的問題我都看得到，但是手腳不靈活了，修不動了。」他指著屋頂滲水的痕跡說道。天花板的壁癌越來越嚴重，潮濕的環境讓他的氣喘時常發作，但有限的退休金讓他無力請專業人員維修。 「如果能早點發現就好了...」住在台北市的張奶奶，望著醫院的天花板喃喃自語。上個月，她因為浴室的地板磁磚鬆動而不慎跌倒，造成髖部骨折。這起意外不只帶來身體的傷痛，更讓我們看見台灣獨居長者所面臨的居家安全隱憂。 這些看似小小的居家問題，卻可能演變成重大的安全危機。根據消防署的統計，2023年因居家意外造成的65歲以上長者傷亡案件中，有超過60%與居家環境不安全有關，其中又以跌倒、燙傷和一氧化碳中毒最為常見。這些數據背後，每一個案例都是一個需要我們關注的生命故事。 社區關懷網絡 面對獨居長者的居家安全問題，台灣目前已建立多元的社會福利支持系統： 1. 居家安全評估與改善計畫 衛生福利部自2020年起推動「長者居家安全環境檢核與改善計畫」，透過專業評估人員進行居家安全檢查，並提供必要的改善建議。2023年度已完成超過15,000戶的居家安全評估，其中有7,000多戶獲得改善補助。 2. 社區整體照顧服務體系 全台已設立超過4,000個社區照顧關懷據點，提供定期關懷訪視服務。這些據點不只關注長者的生活起居，更扮演居家安全守護者的角色，及早發現潛在危險。 3. 在地安老整合計畫 各縣市政府推動「社區整合型服務中心」，結合：  居家環境改善  生活照顧服務  健康促進活動  社區營造計畫 4. 政府補助方案  台北市「臺北扶老‧軟硬兼施」專案  新北市「樂齡安居補助計畫」  各地方政府的居家無障礙環境改善補助 這些計畫雖然提供了基礎支持，但在實務執行上仍面臨： 申請程序繁瑣、補助額度有限、等待時間冗長、人力資源不足 等問題，使得許多真正需要幫助的長者往往無法及時獲得協助。 愛維修計畫：用行動編織安全網 在這樣的背景下，舜禹慈善基金會與台灣時間銀行協會攜手合作的「愛維修計畫」，為長者居家安全問題提供了一個創新的解決方案。 這項始於2017年的計畫，特別關注雙北及雲嘉地區的弱勢長者，提供即時且專業的居家維修服務。計畫的特色在於： 1. 專業維修項目  熱水器、瓦斯爐安全檢查與更換  瓦斯管線檢測  防滑設施安裝  基礎結構維護 2. 創新服務模式 透過與台灣時間銀行協會的合作，建立起互助循環的服務模式：  志工提供服務可累積時數  時數可用於未來自身或家人的需求  擴大社區互助網絡  促進世代間的連結與理解 3. 服務對象包括： 65歲以上長者、低收入戶、中低收入戶、弱勢邊緣戶…等。 建立獨居長者的安全生活環境 面對這些潛在的居家危機，愛維修計畫正在社區中默默守護著長者的安全。去年冬天，住在新北市三重的林阿嬤，在一次居家訪視中被發現她家中的熱水器存在安全隱憂。「我一個人住，都不知道這個熱水器會這麼危險。」林阿嬤說。 愛維修計畫的志工接到通報後，立即前往了解狀況。「這台熱水器安裝在通風不良的室內，而且已經使用超過15年，非常危險。」志工解釋道。在取得林阿嬤的同意後，愛維修計畫協助她申請補助，不只更換了新的熱水器，還將其安裝在戶外適當的位置，確保通風良好。 「現在洗澡特別安心，不會再聞到怪味了。」林阿嬤開心地說。這個案例正是愛維修計畫如何透過專業維修服務，及時預防悲劇發生的最佳示範。計畫不只提供實質的維修協助，更重要的是傳遞居家安全的知識，讓長者能夠安心地在熟悉的環境中生活。 這些努力或許無法完全杜絕意外的發生，但透過社區的關懷網絡與及時的居家安全維護，我們能夠為獨居長者建立更安全的生活環境。每一次的維修服務，都是對生命的守護；每一次的預防性檢查，都是對平安的守候。 這個計畫不只是簡單的維修服務，更是：預防性的安全維護、社區關懷的實踐、世代互助的橋樑、社會溫暖的展現 透過愛維修計畫，我們看到了民間力量如何補足政府資源的不足，也看到了專業維修服務如何轉化為實質的關懷行動。這正是社會工作強調的「助人自助」精神的具體實踐。 期待透過更多這樣的創新服務方案，我們能夠編織出更綿密的社會安全網，讓每一位長者都能在安全、舒適的環境中安享晚年。如果您或您身邊的長者有相關需求，歡迎與舜禹學堂聯繫，讓我們一起用行動守護長者的居家安全。

當租屋成為奢望：台灣獨居長者的安居困境 「我可以一次付清兩年的房租，為什麼還是沒有人願意租給我？」65歲的張阿姨無奈地說道。這則新聞揭露了台灣獨居老人在租屋市場上遭遇的困境，也反映出我們社會中一個日益嚴重的問題。 讓我們認識李奶奶的故事。今年67歲的她，在丈夫過世後獨自生活。退休金加上微薄的儲蓄，讓她只能選擇租屋度日。然而，找房子對她來說卻是一場漫長的煎熬。「房東一聽到我的年紀，語氣就變了。」李奶奶說，「有時連看房的機會都沒有，電話就被掛斷了。」 根據內政部統計，截至2023年6月底，台灣65歲以上老年人口已達418.8萬人，其中獨居者高達97.6萬人，占老年人口的23.3%。更令人憂心的是，租屋市場中估計超過九成的房東不願意將房子租給高齡者，使得這個族群在尋找安身之所時面臨重重阻礙。 造成這種現象的原因複雜： 1. 房東擔心高齡者的健康狀況 2. 害怕發生意外或猝死事件 3. 認為老年人經濟能力不穩定 4. 溝通障礙的疑慮 5. 對於長者生活習慣的刻板印象 這些偏見和歧視，讓許多獨居長者被迫接受居住條件不佳的房屋，或是被迫遷移到較偏遠的地區，遠離他們熟悉的生活圈和醫療資源。正如李奶奶最後只能租到一間沒有電梯的老舊公寓五樓，每次上下樓都需要停下來休息好幾次。 這不僅是住房問題，更是一個急需社會關注的人權議題。當我們的父母輩在晚年連覓得一處安身之所都如此困難，我們不禁要問：這樣的社會，真的是我們期待的高齡友善環境嗎？ 現有的支持系統：社會福利政策與資源 面對獨居長者的租屋困境，目前台灣已有多項社會福利政策和支援計畫： 1. 社會住宅政策 根據住宅法規定，65歲以上長者屬於社會住宅的優先入住對象。目前全台各地正積極推動社會住宅興建，其中： • 至少一定比例用於照顧弱勢族群 • 提供無障礙空間設計 • 租金優惠低於市價 • 設有社區關懷據點 2. 包租代管計畫 內政部推動的「社會住宅包租代管計畫」特別設立了「長者換居專區」： • 政府擔任房東與房客間的橋樑 • 提供房東稅賦減免優惠 • 代為管理房屋修繕維護 • 保障房東租金收益 3. 租金補貼方案 2024年「租金補貼2.0專案」針對老年人提供更多協助： • 一般戶最高補貼11,200元 • 老年人可獲得1.2倍的補貼金額 • 簡化申請流程 • 放寬資格限制 4. 居家環境改善補助 各地方政府提供多項居家改善計畫： • 台北市「臺北扶老˙軟硬兼施」方案 • 無障礙設施改善補助 • 居家安全設備補助 • 家電更新補助 5. 社區支持系統 全台已設立超過數千個社區照顧關懷據點，提供： • 關懷訪視服務 • 電話問安 • 餐飲服務 • 健康促進活動 • 文康休閒服務 6. 緊急救援系統 為確保獨居長者的居住安全： • 免費安裝緊急求救鈴 • 24小時緊急通報服務 • 消防安全設備補助 • 建立社區互助網絡 這些政策和資源雖然提供了一定程度的協助，但在實際執行上仍面臨諸多挑戰： 1. 供需失衡 • 社會住宅供給量仍遠不足需求 • 等待時間冗長 • 地理位置可能不符需求 2. 資訊落差 • 許多長者不知道這些資源 • 申請程序複雜 • 數位落差造成資訊取得困難 3. 資源分配不均 • 都會區和偏鄉資源差距大 • 補助名額有限 • 服務量能不足 4. 整合性不足 • 各項服務缺乏串連 • 行政程序繁瑣 • 跨部門合作不足 這些現有的支援系統雖然提供了基本的協助，但仍需要更多的創新思維和制度改革，才能真正解決獨居長者的居住困境。 創新解方：邁向更友善的居住環境 面對獨居長者的租屋困境，我們需要更創新的解決方案，以下是幾個可行的建議： 1. 建立「信任保證機制」 • 成立專責單位擔任房東與長者間的橋樑 • 提供房屋保險與維護基金 • 建立租賃糾紛調解機制 • 提供24小時緊急支援服務 2. 推動「青銀共居」計畫： • 青年與長者共同居住 • 互助互惠的生活模式 • 降低房東的疑慮 • 促進世代融合 3. 發展「類家庭」住宅模式 • 小規模共居空間（4-6人） • 專業照顧服務進駐 • 維持生活自主性 • 建立社群支持網絡 4. 強化租賃市場管理 • 制定反歧視條款 • 提供房東教育訓練 • 建立評價機制 • 加強稽查與輔導 5. 創新金融方案 • 開發租賃保證保險 • 提供優惠房屋修繕貸款 • 設立租金信託機制 • 發展以房養老延伸方案 6. 科技輔助方案 • 建置智慧居家系統 • 發展遠距照護服務 • 運用AI預警機制 • 建立數位社群平台 每一位長者都應該擁有安穩的居所，這不僅是基本人權，更是展現社會進步的重要指標。透過上述創新方案的推動，我們期待能為獨居長者打造一個更友善、更有尊嚴的居住環境，讓他們能夠安心地在熟悉的社區中安享晚年。 共創友善居住環境的社會責任 獨居長者的租屋困境不僅是個人問題，更是整個社會需要共同面對的挑戰。隨著台灣高齡化社會的快速發展，我們必須以更積極、更創新的思維來因應這個議題。 我們深知每一位長者都有其獨特的生命故事和需求。透過制度的改革、社區的支持，以及科技的輔助，我們期待能為獨居長者建構一個更完善的居住支持網絡。這不僅是專業服務的提升，更是實踐社會正義的具體展現。 讓我們攜手合作，從個人、社區到整個社會，共同為台灣的獨居長者創造一個更有溫度、更有尊嚴的居住環境。因為，一個真正的高齡友善社會，應該是每一位長者都能安心居住、安享晚年的美好家園。

Aging Society: A New Challenge for Taiwan In Taiwan's rapidly aging society, the issue of home safety for silver-haired people is becoming increasingly prominent. According to the Ministry of the Interior, by the end of 2023, Taiwan's elderly population over the age of 65 will exceed 4 million, accounting for 17.8% of the total population. This figure not only reflects the rapid aging trend of our society, but also highlights the urgency of providing proper care and safety protection for the elderly. Older people face many challenges in their daily lives, and one of the most worrying is the risk of falling. According to the statistics of the Ministry of Health and Welfare, about 20% of elderly people aged 65 or above experience falls every year, of which about 5% result in bone fractures. These accidents not only affect the physical health of the elderly, but may also cause serious psychological impact on their quality of life and independence. Fall accident of a 90-year-old elderly man Recently, a news story about a 90-year-old man who fell at home aroused widespread concern in the community. According to the report, the elderly man, who lived alone at home, fell down one day and could not get up on his own. Luckily, his family found him in time and prevented more serious consequences. The incident has aroused concern among family members, who have begun to consider installing monitors at home to keep track of their elders' condition. However, this practice has also triggered a discussion on privacy: how to strike a balance between protecting safety and respecting privacy? This case not only reflects the importance of home safety for seniors, but also highlights the potential use of modern technology in elder care. Many families are looking for smarter, more humanized solutions to ensure the safety of their elders without infringing on their privacy. Innovative Technology: 24-hour Emergency Response System In order to solve the problem of silver-haired people's home safety while protecting their privacy, an innovative solution has emerged in the market - the 24-hour Emergency Assistance System. This system not only provides round-the-clock security monitoring, but also responds quickly in emergency situations, providing an extra layer of protection for silver-haired people's home life. I. System Features All-weather monitoring: the system operates 24 hours a day to keep track of the user's condition. Intelligent Sensor: Through advanced sensor technology, the system is able to recognize abnormal situations, such as falling or prolonged immobility. One-touch help: Equipped with a simple and easy-to-use help button, the system allows the elderly to get help quickly in case of emergency. Instant notification: The system will notify family members or emergency contacts as soon as an abnormal condition is detected or a help signal is received. Privacy protection: Unlike traditional monitors, this system will only be activated when necessary, maximizing the protection of the user's privacy. Usage Installation: Professionals will come to your home to install the necessary equipment, such as sensors and help buttons. Setting up contacts: Users can set up multiple emergency contacts to ensure that they can get help quickly when needed. Everyday use: The system will stand by behind the elderly as they go about their normal lives. Emergency: In the event of an accident such as a fall, the system will automatically alert the police or notify the contact person. The launch of this emergency system not only provides a safer home environment for the silver-haired, but also brings great peace of mind to their families. Through the power of technology, we are able to provide comprehensive protection to the elderly without disturbing their daily lives. Targets of subsidy People who are registered and actually living in each county or city, who are assessed to be conscious and able to operate the rescue system, and who meet one of the following qualifications, can apply to the county or city long-term care management centers, health centers, district offices, and regional social welfare centers: 1、At least 65 years old, disabled and living alone. (2) Those who are under 65 years old, disabled and living alone, and are on the list of low-income or middle-income earners who have certificates or manuals on mental and physical disabilities. 3、After the assessment of the regular care center, those who have the need (such as those who have poor self-care ability, chronic disease or sudden disease, etc., as proved by the dentists). Amount of subsidy According to the financial status of the applicants, they are divided into middle (low) income households and general households, and the amount of subsidy is according to the regulations of each county and city authorities. The perfect combination of technology and humanity With the rapid aging of society, the silver-haired people's home safety is becoming more and more prominent, and the emergence of the 24-hour emergency rescue system marks an important step forward in solving this problem. This innovative technology not only reflects the advancement of technology, but also demonstrates our humanistic thinking in caring for the elderly. Families should pay more attention to the safety of their elders at home and introduce advanced protection measures in a timely manner. The Government can consider providing subsidies to disadvantaged elderly groups to help them obtain such safety protection. Technology companies should continue to innovate and develop more smart devices suitable for the elderly. Only with the concerted efforts of all sectors of the community can we create a safe and comfortable home environment for the silver-haired generation, so that they can enjoy their twilight years with peace of mind. Let's work together to create a better society that respects and cares for the elderly! Source: Free Times https://news.ltn.com.tw/news/life/breakingnews/4767848