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Video Description

Type: KIHASA Policy Featurette

Topic: A Few Stats on the Usage of the Dementia Public Guardianship Program

Original video: [KIHASA Special] Safety Net in an Aging Society: Public Guardianship for Dementia Patients - Rights of and Systems for Older Adults with Dementia

Related Research Monograph: Exploring Improvement Measures for the Adult Guardianship System: Focusing on Decision-Making Support for Older Adults with Dementia and Cognitive Decline (Lee Sun-hee) https://repository.kihasa.re.kr/handle/201002/47026

Transcript

Narration:

Dementia is a chronic condition in which brain damage gradually impairs memory and cognitive function. While those affected can manage daily life in the early stages, their memory and language abilities deteriorate over time, which eventually impairs their ability to make decisions. Let us now take a look at how the Dementia Public Guardianship Program is currently being used.

Between September 2018 and April 2024, a total of 562 petitions for dementia public guardianship were filed, which averages roughly 100 petitions per year. By region, Seoul and Gyeonggi accounted for 131 cases each―together representing 23 percent of the total―followed by Busan with 79 cases, South Chungcheong with 27 cases, and North Chungcheong and South Gyeonggi with 26 cases each. Data show that usage is higher in major metropolitan areas, whereas rural regions show relatively lower levels.

Between 2018 and April 2024, a total of 1,346 people completed the required training to become dementia public guardians. However, only 709 of them are currently active―about half―suggesting that the rate of matching guardians with wards remains low.