Seongdong-gu Expands Participation of Medical Institutions in Senior Health Companion Project

Support for Visiting Medical Services in 6 Areas Including Health Consultation, Home Rehabilitation, and Nutrition Support
Additional Business Agreement Signed with 4 Medical Institutions in Seongdong-gu, Total of 15 Institutions Participating

Seongdong-gu (District Mayor Jung Won-oh) will expand the number of medical institutions participating in the Health Companion Project for seniors aged 65 and older starting this year.

Seniors require various health management services such as medication counseling and rehabilitation therapy, but it is not easy for them to travel to medical institutions. The Health Companion Project involves a health companion team visiting seniors' homes directly to provide health management support. Medical institutions also participate to enhance the professionalism of the service.

The health companion team consists of specialized personnel such as nurses and nutritionists from the Seongdong-gu Public Health Center, as well as village doctors from the health center. Participating medical institutions play a role in identifying and referring health management candidates and directly participating in the development of health management plans to support the provision of high-quality home health services.

Currently, there are a total of 15 primary medical institutions that have signed agreements with the district. In December of last year, four new cooperative clinics signed agreements, expanding the scale. By district area, there are 4 clinics in the Seongsu area, 4 in the Geumho area, 3 in the Majang and Yongdap area, and 4 in the Haengdang area. Notably, one cooperative clinic was added in each area, making it easier for seniors in need of health management to apply for services and for candidates to be managed.

The services provided cover six areas: ▲ health measurement and education, medication guidance, and other health consultations ▲ home rehabilitation including physical rehabilitation, fall prevention education, and exercise coaching ▲ nutritional support such as dietary guidance, nutrition counseling education, and provision of supplementary nutrition ▲ home medical care including pressure ulcer management and burn care ▲ mental counseling including prevention counseling for cognitive disorders such as elderly depression and dementia ▲ welfare counseling including temporary home care, housing services, and linkage to other welfare services.

Seniors aged 65 or older who have two or more chronic diseases and live alone or as an elderly couple are eligible to receive the services. Applications can be made through the 15 cooperative clinics, local community service centers, or Care SOS welfare managers.

Selected candidates receive home visit services for 8 weeks. However, the service is limited to three items.

Meanwhile, the district continuously accepts applications from medical institutions wishing to participate. Medical institutions interested in participating can contact the Home Health Team of the Disease Prevention Division at Seongdong-gu Public Health Center separately.

District Mayor Jung Won-oh stated, “The activation of the Health Companion Project is expected to greatly help eliminate blind spots for health-vulnerable seniors. We plan to actively identify and support candidates through continuous mutual cooperation with local medical institutions,” adding, “We will further strive to promote customized support projects so that all seniors can spend a safe and healthy old age.”