'Volunteer Accompanies to Hospital'... Incheon City Supports Basic Pension Recipients Aged 70 and Over

Pilot Project for Hospital Accompaniment in Incheon City [Provided by Incheon City]

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Hyesook] Incheon City announced on the 3rd that starting this month, it will conduct a pilot project for hospital accompaniment services targeting basic pension recipients aged 70 and over.

This project is a one-stop accompaniment service where mobile elderly individuals are connected with volunteers who accompany them from leaving home, through hospital examinations, until returning home.

The service supports elderly people to comfortably use the hospital by assisting with transportation to the hospital by taxi or volunteer vehicle, as well as helping with appointment registration and payment.

This service is available only on weekdays and there is no personal charge. Applications for the service can be submitted at the administrative welfare centers and volunteer centers of the eight autonomous districts in the city.

Hospital accompaniment services for island areas such as Ganghwa, Ongjin County, and Yeongjongdo are excluded from the service, and long-term care grade recipients and elderly customized care service recipients are restricted from applying for this pilot project.

An Incheon City official stated, "With the rapid aging population and the increase in dual-income households, the need for elderly care support has grown, leading to the promotion of this project," adding, "We hope it will help elderly people who frequently use hospitals and establish itself as a sustainable volunteer activity."