Jeongup city funds hospital trips for seniors
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Jeongup City in North Jeolla Province, South Korea, began using funds from its “Hometown Love Fund” in July to provide free transportation to and from medical appointments for elderly residents with mobility issues.
The city allocated 70 million won to the “Senior Hospital Companion Service” to cover the entire process, transportation, check-in, treatment, and the return trip, for those who find it difficult to travel to hospitals alone.
The Jeongup Senior Club manages the program, employing ten people who have completed professional and safety training to assist seniors. These companions help with everything from getting to appointments to navigating registration and receiving care. The service prioritises people receiving integrated medical and care services who wish to continue living in their own homes rather than moving to care facilities. Currently, around 20 to 30 seniors use the service each month.
Residents can book the service, which operates from 9 AM to 6 PM on weekdays, at least seven days in advance by calling 063-538-5105 to reserve a vehicle and companion. Jeongup City Mayor Lee Hak-soo stated that the hospital companion service is an essential link in the city’s integrated care system.
