Dongjak District to Establish 'Dongjak-Style Dementia Care System'

Customized Support Linked with "Hyo-do Call Center" and Dementia Safety Cafes
Dementia Management and Care Centered on the Dementia Safety Center

Dongjak District in Seoul (Mayor Park Ilha) is set to fully implement the 'Dongjak-Style Dementia Care System.' The core objective is to establish an integrated system that operates effectively in the field, covering everything from dementia prevention and care to family support.

Park Ilha, mayor of Dongjak District, is delivering a greeting at the '2025 Dongjak District Dementia Overcoming Day Commemoration Event' held last September. Provided by Dongjak District.

The district will first strengthen more specialized management and care services, focusing on the Dementia Safety Center. Beyond the existing screening, diagnosis, and differential tests, early examinees will be connected to the 'Hyo-do Call Center,' a dedicated welfare platform for seniors.

When visits to hospitals, the Dementia Safety Center, or the National Health Insurance Service are necessary, the 'Hyo-do Taxi' will be provided to reduce transportation inconveniences. In addition, a 'Hyo-do Long-Term Care Manager' will be assigned to help patients receive one-stop support, from applying for long-term care insurance after a dementia diagnosis to the final grading assessment.

The district will also focus on early intervention within the local community to prevent dementia. Walking events will be expanded so that users of the Dementia Safety Center and daycare centers can regularly participate in a variety of activities, such as outdoor walking, laughter therapy, and physical fitness assessments. Through this, the plan is to develop a 'Dongjak-Style Healing Model' that not only enhances physical health but also fosters family participation and emotional exchange.

Some local cafes will be designated as 'Dementia Safety Cafes,' where professional counseling and small-scale cognitive programs will be offered. At the same time, these spaces will serve as meeting places for self-help groups of patients' families, creating a healthy care environment within the community.

The district will also intensify awareness campaigns to promote a dementia-friendly social atmosphere. By providing festivals where not only dementia patients and their families but also all residents can participate, the district aims to spread positive perceptions. The Dementia Safety Center’s shuttle bus will also be refurbished and used as a mobile promotional tool.

Mayor Park Ilha of Dongjak District stated, “Through the Dongjak-Style Dementia Care System, we will improve the quality of life for dementia patients and their families, creating an environment where they can live with dignity and respect. We will continue to develop differentiated policies to make Dongjak a dementia-safe city.”