Seeing a parent repeat the same story or forget something they just did is alarming. Before booking a hospital appointment, there are a few steps you can check for free first.
1Step 1 — Call 1899-9988 first
The Dementia Counseling Call Center (1899-9988) is a 24-hour phone line anyone can use — whether you're worried about your own memory or caring for someone with dementia. Press 1 for care counseling (caregiving techniques, managing caregiver stress); press 2 for information counseling (causes, symptoms, and treatment of dementia, and government support programs). Experienced specialist counselors answer, and if needed, they can connect you directly to your nearest Dementia Relief Center.
2Step 2 — Get a free screening test at a Dementia Relief Center
256 Dementia Relief Centers nationwide are run out of local public health centers, offering free dementia screening, referrals for diagnostic testing, case management, and family counseling and education. Many people don't realize this exists — a place where you can get tested without worrying about hospital costs.
3Step 3 — If mobility has also become difficult, apply for a long-term care grade
If your parent is 65 or older — or under 65 with an age-related condition such as dementia or cerebrovascular disease — they can apply for long-term care recognition under Long-Term Care Insurance for the Elderly, through the National Health Insurance Service. If the grading committee assigns a grade of 1 to 5 or a cognitive support grade, a large portion of the cost of home-based care (visiting care, visiting bathing, day and night care) or admission to a care facility is covered. Many families only apply after mobility suddenly becomes a problem, so if the screening test showed any concerning signs, it's worth looking into this in advance.
Services mentioned in this guide
Dementia Counseling Call Center (1899-9988)
A National Dementia Center counseling line where professional counselors answer, 24 hours a day, everything from how to care for a dementia patient to guidance on support programs
24 hours
Operated by · 중앙치매센터
Cost · Free
Dementia Relief Center
A comprehensive dementia support organization set up at public health centers nationwide, offering free dementia screening tests, counseling, and case management
Weekdays 09:00-18:00 (varies by center)
Operated by · 중앙치매센터
Cost · Free
Long-Term Care Insurance for the Elderly
A social insurance program that assesses a care-need grade for older adults who have difficulty with daily life due to age or age-related illness, and supports in-home or facility care services
Online 24 hours (counseling line 1577-1000, weekdays 09:00-18:00)
Operated by · 국민건강보험공단
Cost · Paid