For nearly 2 years of implementation, a community-based care model for senior citizens implemented by Khanh Hoa Provincial Branch for Population & Family Planning has helped the elderly to lead an independent and happy life...
For nearly 2 years of implementation, a community-based care model for senior citizens implemented by Khanh Hoa Provincial Branch for Population & Family Planning has helped the elderly to lead an independent and happy life.
Khanh Hoa Province’s population is aging with 10.2% reaching the average age of 72.5. The aging population has influenced all social scopes of the social life and the elderly who are living in rural areas are maybe the most affected.
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| Performance by the elderly. |
With the aim to improve spiritual and material health as well as increase role of the elderly towards their families and community, Khanh Hoa Provincial Branch for Population & Family Planning in association with the provincial Representative Board of Khanh Hoa Association for the Elderly has implemented the community-based care model for older adults.
The model was piloted from June to December, 2012 in the 2 wards of Phuoc Long and Vinh Hai, Nha Trang City. In 2013, the model is extended to 18 communes and wards in 6 districts, towns and cities, including Nha Trang, Cam Ranh, Cam Lam, Dien Khanh, Ninh Hoa, Van Ninh.
Many counseling sessions on laws, heath care, etc related to the elderly have been held attracting the attendance of about 1,000 people.
75-year-old Ho Van An, Ninh Hung Commune, Ninh Hoa Town says, “The model has provided me helpful knowledge to take care of myself better.”
According to Le Xuan Hanh, Chief of Khanh Hoa Provincial Representative Board of Khanh Hoa Association for the Elderly, many old people are happy and optimistic thanks to their retirement pensions and medical knowledge to take good care of themselves. However, some are in a difficulty mood because of regular sickness, physical and emotional problems. The burden is even heavier when they lack health care knowledge."
Therefore, the program is really essential, helping the elderly to lead an active and healthy life as well as improving nursing home care for the elderly.
Huynh Thi Hien, Temporary Director of Khanh Hoa Provincial Department of Population & Family Planning says, “Health care counseling sessions have attracted many old people, showing that they need medical information related to their age. Therefore, the branch will extend the model to other communities.”
More concern and support from local authorities are required, so that the program really becomes a health care network for the elderly, facilitating their access to long-term counseling and care.
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