Reported 12 months ago
A new focus in the debate among civil groups, the government, and political parties is the exemption of individuals over 80 from the Barthel Index assessment starting July 3, 2024. During a public hearing held by the Legislative Yuan Health and Environment Committee, most civil groups expressed opposition, fearing that it would lead to the exclusion of resources for caring for critically ill vulnerable individuals within families. Scholars suggest initiating a one-to-many model for long-term care services, rather than falling into the trap of a one-to-one staffing shortage. Various civil groups, including the Family Caregiver Alliance, Taiwan Dementia Society, and Disability Alliance, oppose the exemption of individuals over 80 from assessment, claiming it would disadvantage already vulnerable care families. They demand a review of the deficiencies in long-term care plans and improvements in the evaluation criteria and process of the Barthel Index itself. Advocates stress the need for legislative amendments to temporarily halt the exemption, citing the potential influx of foreign caregivers and the ensuing competitive labor market situation. Experts warn that the current conditions may make it difficult for families in need of intensive care to find suitable caregivers due to the influx of caregivers. Additionally, they emphasize the importance of planning services that align with the qualifications of hired foreign workers to provide one-to-many care and encourage long-term care service units to offer 24-hour short-term flexible community support. Finally, they caution that the reliance on one-to-one caregiving for elderly individuals will exacerbate the imbalance in caregiving resources in an aging society.
Source: YAHOO