Caregivers Demand Fair Compensation for Dementia Care Experience

Caregivers are demanding fair compensation commensurate with their years of experience in dementia care, pointing out that the current long-term care insurance system does not offer separate allowances for this type of work. The long-term care insurance system is primarily designed around patients with physical disabilities, providing additional allowances to caregivers looking after patients classified with severe grades 1 or 2. However, caregivers argue that these allowances are mainly for patients with severe mobility or overall physical functional impairments, and that dementia care is not included in the criteria for these extra allowances.

Approximately half of the 1.165 million individuals recognized for long-term care are dementia patients, and 90% of them exhibit symptoms such as aggression or wandering, placing a significant burden on caregivers. Concerns are rising that as grades are primarily assigned based on physical ability, services may not be adequately provided for cases requiring cognitive support.

An allowance that was paid for providing care to dementia patients for over two hours at their homes was abolished in 2022. The discontinuation of this additional allowance led some caregivers to quit their jobs. Caregivers are requesting that their skill levels and experience be reflected in the wage system.