[Square] The Right to Grow Old Together in a Beloved Place

The elderly population in our society is rapidly increasing. Consequently, there are many claims that various problems arise. But is the 'elderly' truly a problem? Every human wishes to live a long life, yet most want to avoid experiencing the result of that longevity?the 'elderly' stage. This is especially true for what is commonly referred to as old and sick elderly individuals. Since they find it difficult to live independently and become a burden to their families, there is a prevailing perception that entering a facility is desirable for everyone involved. This is how the 'elderly' problem is addressed. But is this approach truly appropriate?

The Long-Term Care Insurance for the Elderly, which began in 2008, has greatly contributed to the socialization of care as a social insurance system. All citizens are guaranteed insurance benefits for services such as elderly care facilities, day and night care, and home care when long-term care is needed due to elderly diseases. The number of long-term care institutions and workforce infrastructure has rapidly increased, and accessibility has improved. Although regional disparities still exist, society has become one where anyone can enter a facility.

The fact that one can live in a facility whenever necessary provides reassurance to both elderly individuals who may need long-term care in the future and their families. However, when we look around, it is not uncommon to see significant conflicts between the elderly themselves, their families, and relatives when deciding to enter a facility. Above all, entering a facility is not always reassuring for the elderly person. It means leaving the familiar village and home where they have lived their entire life, severing the life memories accumulated inside and outside, and cutting off interactions with neighbors. Additionally, when one spouse in an elderly couple enters a facility, the remaining spouse often becomes what is commonly called a single-person or solitary elderly.

Is it not possible for everyone to feel secure and grow old together in their familiar surroundings as much as possible? Recently, the government has been attempting to integrate short-term care functions into day and night care institutions. Day and night care services allow elderly individuals to live in their own homes while commuting to receive various conveniences such as meals and hygiene during morning or afternoon hours, and to maintain and improve physical and mental functions through programs.

Short-term care is a service where the elderly temporarily stay away from home for a short period, especially functioning as respite care to reduce the burden on families. Until now, these services have generally been operated separately depending on the provider, even though they belong to home care services. Day and night care has difficulty responding to families’ requests for overnight care, and short-term care has been criticized for effectively becoming another facility due to long-term stays beyond its original function.

The government has expanded the short-term care pilot project within day and night care institutions and has been conducting a second pilot project since May. Normally, elderly individuals use day and night care programs, but when temporary overnight stays are needed, they can remain there. In other words, day and night care institutions additionally provide services such as sleeping and meals, similar to short-term care facilities. From the elderly’s perspective, receiving short-term care for a certain period in a familiar space with familiar staff provides a sense of stability and allows them to return to their families. Families can also rest or attend to postponed tasks with peace of mind during that period. Although still in the pilot stage, if this becomes an official service with guaranteed benefits and expanded providers, it is expected to become a universal service accessible anywhere nationwide.

The elderly are not the problem. The problem lies in the perception and attitude that view and respond to the elderly as a problem. When illness occurs and long-term care is needed, it is not necessary to leave home and enter a facility. Even when care from someone else is required, one should be able to remain in their familiar home and with family until the end of life. Social discussions and various attempts, such as short-term care services within day and night care institutions, that institutionally guarantee the 'right to grow old together in one’s familiar place' as much as possible are urgently needed.

Seodongmin, Professor, Department of Social Welfare, Baekseok University