Home Healthcare and Hospice: A Pacific Islands Perspective

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Public Health Policy
• Healthcare Financing

Background:

• The Republic of Palau faces a growing crisis due to an aging population and increasing chronic diseases.
• This demographic shift significantly impacts caregivers and the broader society.
• Existing healthcare systems required innovative solutions to address these challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the situation of caregivers, older adults, and healthcare professionals in Palau.
• To identify needs and advocate for improved healthcare services for the aging population.
• To evaluate the impact of new healthcare financing initiatives.

Main Methods:

• Situational assessments were conducted with key stakeholders including caregivers, older adults, and healthcare professionals.
• Advocacy and promotion efforts for home healthcare services were undertaken.
• Analysis of the implementation and expansion of the National Healthcare Financing Act.

Main Results:

• Findings highlighted an urgent need for solutions to support the aging population and manage chronic diseases.
• The National Healthcare Financing Act (2010) established the Health Care Fund (National Health Insurance and Medical Savings Account).
• Advocacy led to the establishment of home healthcare services and proposed expansion of the Health Care Fund to include Home Health Insurance Benefits.

Conclusions:

• The introduction of the Health Care Fund represents a significant step in addressing healthcare costs for residents and workers.
• The establishment and promotion of home healthcare services have improved access to care for older adults and homebound individuals.
• Policy changes and advocacy have created a more robust healthcare system for Palau's aging population.