Taiwan County Offers Free In-Home Training for Foreign Caregivers

Pingtung County in southern Taiwan is rolling out a new initiative to enhance the quality of care provided by foreign domestic helpers. Starting in August, the "Employer and Employee Peace of Mind Empowerment Plan for Hiring Foreign Domestic Helpers" will offer free professional in-home guidance services to eligible families.

The program, spearheaded by the Pingtung County Government's Department of Labor and Youth Development, aims to alleviate the burden on families and ensure foreign caregivers have the necessary skills. Pingtung County has over 7,000 foreign caregivers, and the county's long, narrow geography can make information access difficult, especially in remote areas. This can leave foreign caregivers, particularly those new to Taiwan, without adequate training to handle emergencies or provide proper home care for the elderly, including those with cognitive impairments.

"We actively sought central government subsidies to launch this tailored, free in-home empowerment service," said Li Yu-chen, director of the Department of Labor and Youth Development. The service will provide three core in-home training modules: basic vital signs observation, feeding, and mobility care for individuals with disabilities or dementia. The program also includes pre- and post-assessments, simultaneous family learning sessions, and connections to further resources.

To accommodate the diverse workforce, the program offers legal and consultation services in multiple languages, including Indonesian, Vietnamese, Thai, and English. The county expects the program to benefit 28 families with foreign caregivers, equipping them with correct care concepts and ensuring both caregivers and the elderly receive proper support. Families interested in the service can register through a QR code provided by the Pingtung County Long-Term Care Development Association.

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We actively sought central government subsidies to launch this tailored, free in-home empowerment service.