Health ministry checks heat-wave protections for isolated seniors

The health ministry said Thursday it had inspected Gumi's system for identifying and supporting people at risk of dying alone during heat waves.

Jin Young-joo, the ministry's social welfare policy chief, visited Gumi City Hall and later accompanied the Happy Mobile Team, a local network of residents including honorary social welfare officials, to the home of an elderly person living alone in Songjeong-dong. She watched the welfare-check service being provided and examined response procedures for emergencies that can arise during heat waves.

During heat-wave severe warnings, the networks are to contact people at high risk of dying alone every two days by phone, text message or visits.

The visit follows a June 3 plan directing local governments to step up welfare checks on high-risk people and give guidance on preventing heat-related illnesses. “Summer disasters affect everyone, but their risks reach vulnerable groups sooner and more severely,” Health and Welfare Minister Jeong Eun-kyeong said.

The ministry said average temperatures this summer are forecast to exceed normal levels, while people 65 and older account for a high share of heat-related illnesses and suspected heat-related deaths.

At a meeting at City Hall, officials reviewed efforts to identify and support people at risk of dying alone and progress in checking on isolated households. They also discussed heat-related health and living-environment risks and difficulties encountered in contacting and visiting households.

“Isolated households can face even greater difficulties during heat waves, so careful attention and continued welfare checks are essential,” Jin said. “We will strengthen field-centred responses to help local safety networks watch over households in crisis and provide necessary support promptly.”