Those autistic children, cerebral palsy children, and Down's syndrome children we have heard of are all getting old. With the rapid aging of the body functions, coupled with the aging brought about by medical treatment, there are more and more double-elderly families in Taiwan with "elderly parents taking care of the elderly mentally and physically challenged," so where do they go from here?
Dual-elderly families, in which an elderly caregiver and an elderly person with mental retardation live together, face unique physical, financial and social challenges. As the caregivers grow older, their own care needs increase, exacerbating the difficulties of caring for the mentally challenged. In Taiwan, the proportion of such families is increasing year by year, which not only brings financial burdens, but also leads to psychological stress and social isolation. The extreme stress of caregivers can sometimes lead to tragedies, such as caregiving suicides.
The current situation of dual-elderly households in Taiwan reflects the dual pressures of an aging population and care for the physically and mentally challenged. It is estimated that by 2030, there will be as many as 1.25 million one- or two-elderly households in Taiwan; about 20% of physically impaired households are currently facing dual-elderly problems, and this percentage will tend to increase in the next 10 years; and 42% of people with intellectual disabilities over the age of 35 years currently live with a family caregiver over the age of 60 years. At present, 42% of the mentally retarded over the age of 35 live with a family caregiver over the age of 60. These statistics highlight the urgent need for appropriate support and services for dual-elderly families in Taiwan.
In response to the growing problem of elderly families in Taiwan, society needs to adopt multiple strategies to minimize and prevent tragedies. This includes providing comprehensive long-term care services, strengthening community support and resource linkages, and increasing public awareness and understanding of the issue. In addition, there is a need for the Government and non-governmental organizations to work together to develop targeted assistance programmes, such as dedicated hotline, emergency assistance and psychological counselling services.
The "Two-Elderly Families with Mental and Physical Disabilities Service Project" aims to provide essential support and resources to these families. The main objective of this service program is to reduce the burden of caregivers and to improve the quality of life of mentally handicapped persons in order to cope with the special challenges faced by elderly families.
I. Purpose and Target of Service:
This service is designed for physically and mentally challenged individuals over the age of 35 and their primary caregivers over the age of 60 living in the community. Special priority is given to cases with intellectual disabilities, autism, psychiatric disorders, cerebral palsy and other long term impairments.
II. Content of services:
1. Home-based care needs assessment by social workers: Professional social workers visit the homes to understand the care needs of the families for the physically and mentally handicapped and provide the families with information on the care they need.
2、Reduce the pressure of family care: Understand the current situation of family care, and link the relevant care resources according to the care needs of the family, so as to reduce the care burden of elderly caregivers.
3. Discussing the future life planning of the physically and mentally handicapped: assisting the caregivers and the physically and mentally handicapped to start arranging and planning for the future life care or support of the physically and mentally handicapped, so that the caregivers will no longer be full of worries about the future of the physically and mentally handicapped.
Service application process:
1. Contact: Families can apply for this service through the relevant social welfare organizations or local government social offices.
2. Case Assessment: Professionals will assess the specific needs of the family to ensure that the most appropriate support is provided.
3、Service planning：According to the assessment results, develop individualized service plans.
Behind every sad song of caregiving, there are endless sorrows and pressures. Taiwan is facing a growing problem of elderly families, but through the implementation of effective service programs for mentally and physically challenged elderly families, we are able to provide the necessary support and resources to these families. This will not only help alleviate the burden of caregivers, but also provide a better quality of life for the mentally challenged. The community should work together to meet this challenge and create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all families.
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