Nantou County Health Bureau Supports Caregivers with Diverse Respite Care Services

As Nantou County faces an accelerating aging population, the demand for long-term care continues to rise. To ensure that care services reach every township, the Health Bureau is actively building a comprehensive service network, offering diverse respite care options to provide strong support for family caregivers and reduce the stress of long-term care responsibilities.

Health Bureau Director Chen Nan-Song emphasized that individuals aged 65 or older with disabilities, indigenous people aged 55 or older, those diagnosed with dementia, people with disabilities, and patients enrolled in the Post-Acute Integrated Care Program are eligible for long-term care services. After assessment by the Long-Term Care Management Center, those classified at care level 2 or above receive subsidies based on their disability level, with partial fees borne according to their welfare status.

Currently, Nantou County has contracted respite service providers including 69 home-based care agencies, 32 day care centers, 16 community-based long-term care stations, and 37 institutional residential care facilities. These diverse service options have supported 3,294 individuals in 2025 (Minguo Year 114), with a cumulative total of 45,504 service uses.

The Health Bureau offers multiple convenient channels for applying for long-term care services. Residents can call the national long-term care hotline at 1966 to be connected directly to their local Long-Term Care Management Center, or contact the county’s dedicated hotline at 049-2209595. Additionally, the county’s online E-Counter service is available for digital applications.

A real-life example involves 71-year-old Grandma Wang, who suffers from dementia and hypertension, and is cared for daily by her 70-year-old husband, Grandpa Wang. As her condition worsened, the caregiving burden grew significantly. With their children working far away and unable to assist, a friend suggested calling the 1966 hotline. With support from the Long-Term Care Management Center, Grandpa Wang applied for day care respite services. Grandma Wang now receives professional care during the day, allowing Grandpa Wang to finally leave the house with peace of mind, engage in social activities, and regain much-needed rest and a balanced daily routine.