Jeongeup Launches Free Hospital Companion Service for Seniors
70 Million Won from Hometown Love Fund Invested
Comprehensive Support from Doorstep to Return Home
Strengthening Integrated Care for a Super-Aged Society
"Improving Medical Access for Transportation-Vulnerable Seniors"
A customized mobility support service that assists seniors with limited mobility throughout the entire process—from the moment they leave home, receive medical treatment at the hospital, pick up medication at the pharmacy, and return home—has officially launched in Jeongeup.
On July 7, Jeongeup City announced the launch of the “Senior Hospital Companion Service” for elderly residents eligible for integrated medical and care support. This program, established with 70 million won from the Hometown Love Fund, aims to improve access to medical care for transportation-vulnerable seniors who face difficulties visiting hospitals.
The first use case of the service was recorded in the morning of the same day. A 78-year-old senior living in Gobu-myeon used the exclusive electric vehicle to travel from home to Jeongeup Asan Hospital, received medical treatment, visited a pharmacy, and safely returned home. A dedicated guide accompanied the senior to assist with transportation and support procedures at the hospital and pharmacy.
This senior, who has difficulty managing daily life alone, is registered as an eligible recipient for integrated medical and care support. In addition to the hospital companion service, the senior also receives various types of care such as household assistance, installation of safety handles, and home-visit nursing services.
The senior commented, “It was difficult for me to go to the hospital alone because buses rarely run in my area, but having someone come to my door and help me throughout the hospital and pharmacy process was a tremendous help. I now feel confident that I can continue to visit the hospital safely.”
The hospital companion service goes beyond simple vehicle transportation.
The exclusive vehicle provides transportation from the front door to the hospital, and the guide assists with hospital registration, payment, admission and discharge procedures, as well as pharmacy visits and medication instructions. After the medical visit, the guide ensures a safe return home.
The service is available free of charge to seniors with limited mobility who live at home (not in care facilities) and are eligible for integrated medical and care support.
To operate the program, Jeongeup City provided subsidies to Jeongeup Senior Club, the implementing agency, to secure one dedicated vehicle and hire one full-time driver. In addition, 10 senior job participants were selected as hospital companion guides, and they completed the necessary certifications and safety training.
The service operates on weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Eligible individuals wishing to use the service must make a reservation by phone at least seven days before their planned hospital visit.
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Mayor Lee Haksoo stated, “We will operate the hospital companion service funded by the Hometown Love Fund as a model for integrated community care. We will continue to expand welfare services so that seniors can enjoy a stable life in Jeongeup, where they have lived all their lives, without having to move elsewhere due to hospital or care needs.”
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