ABSTRACT

Objective : This study aims at suggesting how to build a Korean model for regional comprehensive center focusing on occupation in order to solve problems such as omitting and overlapping in the subjects for healthcare and social welfare for the elderly in Korea, blank in long­term care for the elderly, scattered services in both public and private sectors in local communities, and exclusion of patients with mild disability. Methods : Based on the analysis on the laws and policies related to social welfare services in Korea and abroad, their current status and problems, and the case studies from the developed countries, a model for regional comprehensive service focusing on occupation, suitable to the Korean circumstances was developed. To confirm the model's appropriateness, its feasibility in Korea, and its effectiveness, contents validity by experts and consulting by focus group interview(FGI) were conducted and then the final model was developed. Results : The regional comprehensive model focusing on occupation was developed as a system to provide continuously and comprehensively five services. As a result of the verification of the content validity, the entire average of validity per question was 7.16 of 9, showing the higher point. Conclusion : Regional comprehensive center focusing on occupation will contribute to enhance quality of life by providing medical, preventative, housing, and living support services required for aging in place in longtime familiar local society as possible, keeping dignity through activities and participations by elderly and aged people in local society. In addition, occupational therapist will play a role of care manager and be recognized as regional social rehabilitation expert, becoming the legitimate beginning to entry into the sector.