In recent years, the challenges of Taiwan's aging society have become more acute, and the demand for health care for the elderly has continued to rise.2025 A heartbreaking news story sparked debate: a delivery worker who could not afford to pay for his father's hospitalized care had to choose to leave his father at home to wait for his life to come to an end. 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 Inpatient Integrated Care Service", which not only reduces the burden on families, but also provides more complete inpatient care for patients, and has become a lifesaver for many families.
Simply put, this is a team-based care service provided by hospitals through the arrangement of professional nursing staff and care support staff. Unlike traditional one-to-one private care, this service utilizes a "one-to-many" model to address the basic needs of hospitalized patients, including:
Even better, the cost of this service is far less than that of private care! In the past, it cost at least $2,000 to $4,000 a day to hire a personal caregiver, but with this program, it costs only $0 to $1,050 a day, and some hospitals are even completely free of charge, which helps families save a lot of money.
1. Reduce the burden on family members
Family members do not need to stay with the patient all the time, so they can take care of their work and family, and are no longer physically and mentally exhausted as a result of hospitalization.
2. Enhance the quality of inpatient care
Professional team care enables patients to receive more comprehensive medical services and reduces the risk of medical negligence.
3. Enhance infection control and safety
Hospitals have standardized the management of ancillary caregivers to reduce the frequent movement of family members in and out of the wards, thus reducing the risk of infection.
Currently, many hospitals across Taiwan have joined the pilot program, including NTU Hospital, Asia Eastern Hospital, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Hospital, etc. Some hospitals even offer free services (e.g., NTU Hospital, Hutchinson Cancer Center, etc.). For a detailed list, you can use the "Nurse Finder" to quickly find out more.
(Auxiliary search engine: https: //iics.familycares.com.tw/)
Although the inpatient integrated care service adopts the "one-to-many" model, 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 reduced. It also reduces the risk of medical errors and infections. In addition, it rationalizes the allocation of healthcare resources and ensures that every hospitalized patient receives the basic care he or she needs.
"The Health Insurance Residential Integrated Care Service (HIRCS) is not only the government's response to an aging society, but also a blessing to 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.
