TAIPEI (TVBS News) — In Taiwan, the growing need for family caregiving, particularly for dementia patients, is leading to an alarming trend of workforce resignations. This situation is placing additional pressure on a labor market already strained by an aging population.
The Caregiving Crisis
Mr. Li, a former caregiver who left his job to care for a family member, highlights the personal impact of this issue. He reminisces about playing familiar nursery rhymes from YouTube for his mother. His story underscores the emotional and practical challenges faced by many in similar situations.
The Ministry of Labor's statistics reveal a stark reality: approximately 2.31 million people in Taiwan are burdened annually with caring for disabled or dementia-afflicted relatives. A significant number, 133,000, have had to resign from their jobs to manage these caregiving duties. As Taiwan edges closer to becoming a (super) aging society, the repercussions of these resignations are increasingly concerning.
Challenges in Caregiving Infrastructure
Mr. Li criticizes the current approach of daycare centers in Taiwan, noting their failure to distinguish between the needs of individuals with dementia and those who are generally unable to care for themselves. This 'mixed' approach, he argues, sidelines dementia patients, making it difficult for them to participate effectively in classes.
The Taiwan Association of Family Caregivers echoes these concerns. Chen Ching-ning, secretary-general, points out the broader implications on the labor market. The widespread labor shortage, once buffered by an abundance of manpower, is now seeing demand outpace supply. Chen suggests that businesses should focus more on retaining existing staff rather than investing in retraining.
Legal Framework and Proposed Solutions
The current legal framework in Taiwan offers limited support for caregivers. The Gender Equality in Employment Act provides for family care leave, but it is merged with personal leave and capped at a mere 7 days per year, often without pay. This pales in comparison to Japan's provision of up to 93 days of nursing care leave.
In response to these challenges, the Taiwan Association of Family Caregivers proposes a provision for 30 days of paid long-term care leave. This initiative aims to support employees during demanding caregiving periods and could be a significant step toward addressing the labor crisis.
Taiwan stands at a crossroads, needing to acknowledge these caregiving challenges, expand long-term care facilities, and implement essential long-term care policies. Such measures are crucial for Taiwan to navigate its current labor crisis and foster a more supportive and sustainable society.
