Journal of the Korean Housing Association ISSN:2234-3571(Print) 2234-2257(Online) 한국주거학회논문집

This study is aimed at identifying and evaluating the current operating model of elderly group homes in Korea, which were introduced with the amendment to the Welfare of the Aged Act in 2008, based on a survey of 25 managers of such homes. There are several key themes identified in the evaluation of their operation in terms of human resources, service, space and finance. The number of employees at the homes complied with the applicable law, with the majority having more employees than the minimum legal requirement for the care of residents. A wide variety of service programs were offered for residents. Typically located within detached houses purchased on the first floor, the homes varied in size from 73 square meters to 560 square meters, with each having a distinctly residence-like atmosphere. The greatest challenge such homes face was a shortage of financial resources. Many struggled to operate because they have no other source of revenue than payments from residents. Consequently, to help promote elderly group homes, there needs to be state-level support for the view that providing assistance for self-sufficient elders can save social costs in the long run by delaying their transition to a physical state requiring constant nursing.