Daegu City Launches Integrated ‘Dandy Care’ Program March 27

Daegu Metropolitan City announced the official launch of its comprehensive integrated care program, “Dandy Care,” with applications set to open on March 27, 2026. This initiative, developed in line with the nationwide “Act on Integrated Support for Community Care such as Medical and Nursing Care,” aims to provide essential medical, nursing, and daily support services to seniors and people with disabilities within their own homes and communities.

The core philosophy of Integrated Care is to enable individuals experiencing difficulties in daily life to remain in their familiar surroundings, rather than being institutionalized in hospitals or facilities. Daegu’s specialized “Dandy Care” program, named after a Gyeongsang-do dialect word meaning “properly” or “surely,” reflects the city’s commitment to ensuring that residents receive comprehensive support through a single application, fostering a city where care is delivered right where they live.

Eligibility for Dandy Care extends to seniors and individuals with disabilities who struggle with daily living due to frailty, illness, or disability. Prospective applicants can register and seek consultation at their local Eup/Myeon/Dong Administrative Welfare Center (local community centers serving townships, neighborhoods, and villages) or any branch office of the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS). Following the application, a home visit assessment will be conducted to determine eligibility and specific needs. Service provision is expected to commence approximately one month after an applicant is selected, with costs varying based on the individual’s income level.

The extensive range of services available under Dandy Care includes vital support such as home medical visits, personalized health management, home care and bathing assistance, meal and side dish delivery, household chores and cleaning support, hospital accompaniment, and even crucial housing environment improvements like home repairs. Detailed information on these services, which number over 90, can also be found on the Ministry of Health and Welfare’s integrated care website (mohw.go.kr/integratedcare).

Prior to its official rollout, Daegu City successfully conducted a pilot program across nine districts for six months, starting in September 2025. This trial saw 402 applications, with 186 individuals successfully linked to necessary services, demonstrating the program’s effectiveness in improving residents’ health and quality of life. Lee Jae-hong, Director of Daegu Metropolitan City’s Health and Welfare Bureau, affirmed the program’s importance, stating, “Integrated Care is a key policy supporting citizens to continue healthy lives in their communities. We will work closely with local districts to ensure stable implementation and evolve the service to truly benefit our citizens.”

Source: 대구광역시 — Original Notice (Korean)