[Focus Seoul City Administration] Seoul City Expands 'Dolbom SOS Center' to 13 Districts

10,000 Service Cases Provided in 5 Months

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Hyun-joo] Hwang Mo (75), who lives in Nowon-gu, was hospitalized for spinal stenosis and returned home, but the pain persisted, making it difficult to carry out daily activities such as preparing meals and cleaning. He applied for the Long-Term Care Insurance for the Elderly to receive government support, but since acute illnesses are difficult to assess, he had to wait until a chronic diagnosis was made. In desperation, Hwang sought help from the Seoul 'Care SOS Center.' A 'care manager' who visited his home connected him with a caregiver. The caregiver has been visiting Hwang's home twice a week for three months, assisting with meals and cleaning.

The Care SOS Centers, currently operated in five autonomous districts of Seoul, will increase to 13. On the 21st, Seoul City announced that the Care SOS Centers, which were piloted last July in Seongdong, Nowon, Eunpyeong, Mapo, and Gangseo districts, surpassed 10,000 care service cases within five months.

The Care SOS Center provides services ranging from urgent household chores and nursing care needed due to sudden illness or accidents to everyday assistance such as accompanying patients to hospitals. Located within community service centers, dedicated care managers composed of social welfare and nursing public officials visit directly to assess needs and provide customized services.

Starting this July, the Care SOS Centers will operate in eight more autonomous districts including Jungnang, Gwangjin, Dobong, Seodaemun, Yangcheon, Yeongdeungpo, Songpa, and Gangdong. In addition to seniors aged 65 and older and people with disabilities, middle-aged and older households aged 50 and above will also be eligible for support. Furthermore, households with an income below 85% of the median income will be able to apply for services.

In 2021, the program is planned to be expanded to all autonomous districts citywide. Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon said, "Care is not a burden that individuals must bear alone but a social issue that society must share together," adding, "We will ensure that anyone in need of care throughout Seoul can receive care services without restrictions."