Samsung Seoul Hospital announced on Monday that it has opened the "SMC Senior Lounge," a dedicated service desk for patients aged 65 and older, on the first floor of its main building.
The initiative comes as South Korea has entered a super-aged society, with those aged 65 and over accounting for more than 20% of the population. The hospital determined that its overall services need to shift toward becoming more senior-friendly. The move is also intended as an opportunity to identify the actual demands and needs of senior patients and to transform the hospital's overall approach.
The Senior Lounge features enlarged text on guidance materials and provides explanations in louder voices using simpler language. Considering the difficulties many elderly patients face with digital devices, the hospital has assigned dedicated assistants to help with tasks ranging from using the hospital's mobile application to booking transportation and verifying insurance claim documents. The lounge also provides emotional support so that elderly patients do not feel inconvenience or anxiety when visiting the hospital without their children. When necessary, staff will directly contact guardians to guide them through the entire medical consultation and hospital visit process.
The hospital is also reviewing the introduction of autonomous electric wheelchair services utilizing age tech for senior patients with limited mobility.
"The launch of the SMC Senior Lounge will serve as an opportunity to enhance the experience of our senior patients," a Samsung Seoul Hospital official said. "We aim to contribute to transforming Korea's hospital culture into a more senior-friendly one as the country enters a super-aged society."