The Department of Health has passed the draft of the "Long-Term Care Service Act" last week which will regulate care institutes to further protect the welfare of the citizens. Also, a new ten-year plan was also announced to provide disabled people with maximum monthly subsidies of 18,600 NT dollars.

Due to chronic or degenerative conditions, many elderly people gradually lose the ability to care for themselves and have to move or be sent to nursing homes.

In the past, Taiwan has lacked relevant management regulations that provide families with necessary services and protection.

To address these issues, the Department of Health passed the "Long-Term Care Service Act" draft last week.

The act is aimed at regulating the long-term care industry and protecting the rights of care recipients,

and also ensures the continuation of the 18,600 NT monthly subsidy program for those that have lost their mental faculties or require long-term care.

Low-income households receive the full amount, while middle-income households receive 90% of the amount.

The average household, meanwhile, will receive 70% of the full amount.

The draft is currently awaiting approval from the Executive and Legislative Yuans.

If successfully passed, families of senior citizens that suffer from mild to moderate dementia can apply for up to 90 hours of care assistance per month.

Assistance will also be provided to move patients with severe dementia into care facilities.