Housing for the elderly in Taiwan

Traditionally, the care of elderly persons was the responsibility of families. However, the structure offamilies is changing, while the number of aged persons, particularly thefrail elderly, is rising. The current living arrangements in housing include living in multigenerational dwellings, family dwellings and institutions or collective dwellings. Frail elderly in need of long-term carelive in nursing homes. In thefuture, housing options must have better space standards and must be barrier-free. Elderly residents must have access to support services and health services in the community. There is a growing demand for institutions and nursing homes becauseof the special care needs of thefrail elderly. © 1997.