Ahead of the June local elections, the civic group ‘Care and Future’ has proposed specific care pledges designed to assist the elderly and disabled with improved medical and caregiving services. Their proposal includes measures for increased mobility support and the deployment of dedicated nurses in local health centers. This initiative aligns with the upcoming 'Integrated Support Law for Regional Care', which aims to allow citizens to spend their old age with dignity in their own homes rather than in facilities or hospitals.

Among the key suggestions from the group, they emphasized the importance of local government’s role in supporting care infrastructure across regions. To address the management of high-risk cases and promote education and awareness, they proposed the establishment of 'Integrated Care Support Teams' within regional municipalities. Furthermore, they highlighted the necessity for basic local governments to implement policies across six crucial areas, including housing and health, targeting improvements such as supporting home modifications for more than 2% of the elderly population every year to prevent falls.

The chairperson of Care and Future, Kim Yong-ik, noted that this year represents a critical turning point in caregiving policy coinciding with the implementation of the Integrated Support Law. He expressed hope that these proposals will influence party platforms and candidates’ pledges, ensuring that citizens in need of care can live safely and happily in their communities.