Gangnam-gu Introduces 'Household Support Service' for People with Mental Disabilities for the First Time

Operation of 'Happy Dream Care'...
Provided 1 to 2 times a week

Gangnam-gu, Seoul (District Mayor Jo Seong-myeong) is introducing a customized housekeeping support service for people with mental disabilities called the ‘Happy Dream Care Service’ for the first time this year and will operate it starting this month.

The memorandum of understanding signing ceremony with the Korea Domestic Workers Association on the 17th of last month. Provided by Gangnam-gu.

This service focuses on helping people with mental disabilities live independently by providing not only basic housekeeping support such as cleaning, laundry, and dishwashing but also simple meal preparation, hospital accompaniment, home nursing, and daily life mentoring. Unlike one-time support, the systematic support is a distinctive feature of Gangnam-gu, provided regularly 1 to 2 times a week for 3 hours each session.

On the 17th of last month, the district signed a business agreement with the Korea Housework Laborers Association to actively promote the service. Five organizations participated in the signing ceremony, including the Gangnam-gu Mental Health Welfare Center, Songpa-gu Mental Health Welfare Center, Taehwa Saemsotneun Jip, Taehwa Haetteuneun Saem, and Songpa Eoureogi, to discuss service operation and support plans. In particular, the two organizations plan to conduct disability awareness improvement education for housekeeping helpers to eliminate social prejudice against mental disabilities and enhance the quality of service provision.

Applications have been completed for members registered at the Gangnam-gu Mental Health Center, and the service will be provided from February to November. The service cost will be covered without budget through cooperation with the Korea Housework Laborers Association.

District Mayor Jo Seong-myeong stated, “This agreement is significant in promoting the independence and social reintegration of people with mental illnesses through cooperation with private organizations,” and added, “We will continue to support creating a pleasant and safe living environment so that people with mental disabilities can live better lives.”