從臺灣長照2.0與相關政策推動看社區與居家物理治療之發展契機

The proportion of the elderly population in Taiwan reached 14.05% and entered into an aged society in March, 2018. It is estimated that in 2026, the elderly population in Taiwan will exceed 20% and become a super-aged society. In response to this rapidly aging phenomenon, the Ministry of Health and Welfare, Executive Yuan of Taiwan launched the Long-Term Care (LTC) Plan 2.0 in January 2017, which greatly expands the eligible population and service packages. In particular, LTC Plan 2.0 enhances the ＂Reablement Services＂ for older people and physically incapacitated. Moreover, LTC Plan 2.0 also develop ＂Frailty and Disability Prevention Program＂ for those frail, mildly physically disabled, or cognitively impaired elderly. Almost at the same time, the ＂Post-Acute Care Plan＂ launched by the National Health Insurance Administration expands the eligible disease categories and starts to reimburse the home rehabilitation services since July 2017. Furthermore, the ＂Setting Standards for Physical Therapy (PT) Clinic＂ was revised and relaxed in August 2017 to fit for the operation of a community or home-based PT clinic. The recent modifications of those policies or regulations greatly promote the development of community or home-based PT services in Taiwan. This article systematically introduces the amendments and changes of the above-mentioned relevant laws and regulations; detains and responds to several articles in this community-based PT special edition, as well as points out the growing opportunities for community and home-based PT service model in Taiwan.