A historical overview of policy perspectives towards informal care in Taiwan (1996-2023)

This paper examines the evolution of policy perspectives towards informal care in Taiwan, focusing on the development of carer support services. It traces the transition from self-funded services by the Taiwan Association of Family Caregivers (a nonprofit organisation), to services funded by the government. Taiwan’s approach highlights the considerable changes brought about by the implementation of the Long-Term Care Services Act which elevated the legal status of carers. Other reforms include the establishment of community-based carer support centres, the introduction of a carer referral mechanisms, and the decentralisation of services to local governments. Carer policies in Taiwan have increasingly embraced the perspective of carers as co-clients, not only recognising their crucial role in the care ecosystem but also raising the profile of informal care in public policy. However, ensuring sustainable funding from the central government, which is vital for the continuation and expansion of carer support, presents a considerable challenge for future policy considerations. The Taiwanese experiences of integrating carers into the long-term care policy context and of decentralisation of carer support services to local governments, serve as a reference for other countries developing carer policies.