TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) announced on Tuesday (Sept. 12) evening that it is set to relax restrictions on hiring foreign domestic caregivers, a decision likely to benefit 600,000 individuals in Taiwan in need of care services.
According to the MOHW, those who have been using long-term care services for over six months, diagnosed with mild to severe dementia by a clinical specialist, and those with mild disabilities will have relaxed restrictions for hiring foreign caregivers.
The ministry, however, mentioned that this current move is simply a result of consultations with relevant units. Future discussions with the Ministry of Labor (MOL) on regulations and supporting measures are yet to be held.
In the press conference that day, Liou Tsan-hon, vice president of Shuang Ho Hospital, noted the limitations of the Barthel Index, which historically required in-hospital assessments. He said the update offers convenience to families who had difficulties bringing in their family members for evaluations.
Despite initial opposition, the MOHW's latest policy twists came after Kuomintang (KMT) presidential candidate Hou Yu-ih's proposal to review the Barthel Index in late August.
