Joo Kwang-deok, a People Power Party preliminary candidate for Namyangju mayor, pledged on Tuesday to establish the "Namyangju Long-Term Care Support Center" and improve conditions for care workers.
At a meeting Monday with the Namyangju Long-Term Care Institution Association, Joo said he would operate the long-term care support center through private consignment to integrate on-site expertise into administration. The plan aims to simultaneously streamline administrative tasks such as facility guidance and inspection while implementing field-oriented management.
He also promised to consider introducing smart healthcare. The core of the plan is building a digital care system that includes fall detection technology, AI-assisted hospital accompaniment services, and smartwatch-based vital sign monitoring.
"We will open an era of 'warm technology' in which artificial intelligence protects the safety of seniors around the clock and eases the burden on care workers," Joo said.
Improvements to worker conditions were also included in the pledges. Joo promised to expand the 100,000 won welfare improvement allowance that has been in effect since this year, produce a "Namyangju-style Senior Human Rights Manual," and strengthen a pre-filtering system through an Elder Abuse Prevention Committee.
"The more than 12,000 long-term care workers are heroes defending the front lines of welfare in Namyangju," Joo said. "I will make Namyangju the standard for smart welfare in Korea."
Meanwhile, Mayor Joo Kwang-deok recorded a 92.8% pledge fulfillment rate during his term in the 8th elected local government. He is seeking reelection based on achievements including expanded transportation infrastructure, the creation of a future-oriented integrated medical town, and the expansion of welfare centers for seniors and people with disabilities.
