Officials from the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Western Pacific Regional Office (WPRO) visited Daewoong Group’s CareHub, a senior health recovery and enhancement center. They examined a private intermediate care model designed to bridge the gap between hospital discharge and home return for elderly patients.
Daewoong reported that four representatives from WHO WPRO’s Data, Strategy, and Innovation Department (DSI) toured CareHub, operated by Daewoong Development, on September 30. The delegation included Hiromasa Okayasu, DSI Deputy Director; Mikiko Kanda, Head of Healthy Aging Technology; Natasha Cook, consultant; and Lee Jong-hyuk, Technology Officer.
The visitors explored CareHub’s operational methods, healthcare programs, and senior health data management using digital healthcare technologies. They paid particular attention to the Intermediate Care House model, which provides a transitional space for elderly individuals who need additional support before returning home after hospitalization.
The Intermediate Care House serves as a bridge between hospital and home care. CareHub allows elderly patients who face challenges in resuming daily life after treatment to stay for two weeks to six months. During this time, they can monitor their cognitive and physical health while participating in recovery programs.
A WHO WPRO representative commented that this visit offered valuable insights into how private initiatives are addressing the gap between hospital and home care.
CareHub employs digital healthcare devices to objectively assess health conditions and collects data on health, lifestyle, and program participation. Looking ahead, they plan to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) to develop personalized health management models based on this accumulated data.
This visit highlights the potential role of the private sector in expanding elderly health management beyond traditional medical treatment to include recovery and daily living support. As populations age globally, the demand for intermediate care services between hospital stays and long-term care is growing, underscoring the potential of models like the Intermediate Care House.
Jo Eun-kyung, CareHub’s director, explained that they’re developing a tailored health management model for seniors by integrating digital healthcare technology and data while providing comprehensive cognitive, physical, and overall health management.
CareHub, a short-stay senior residence, was launched by Daewoong Development, a Daewoong Group subsidiary, as part of its expansion into the senior healthcare market. The facility, established in Hanam, Gyeonggi Province, began operations on July 6. With 30 rooms, CareHub caters to seniors aged 60 and over, offering health management and recovery support for stays ranging from two weeks to six months. The center is collaborating with digital healthcare companies to create a data-driven health management model, targeting the growing need for intermediate care between hospital treatment and home life.
