The lunch at the Bo De Ward Day Elderly Care Center (Hanoi) became bustling when members of the facility sat together with hot meals, both eating and chatting.
Ms. Nguyen Thi Hieu (Hanoi) and her husband came to Bo De Ward Day Elderly Care Center. For her, the happiest thing is that the couple can come to the facility together every day, both receiving health care and having time to chat and interact with people of the same age.
My husband and I came here together, so we are also happy. In the morning, we are welcomed and cared for by nurses, and then eat and chat together. Having elderly people of the same age, it is easy to chat and share everything," Ms. Hieu said.
According to Ms. Hieu, meals at the facility also make her feel reassured.
The lunch was very full and warm. Here I can eat many attractive dishes, today this dish, another day another dish, so I also find it delicious," she shared.
We come here in the morning, and return home in the afternoon. In the evening, we can still go home to our children and grandchildren, stay at home as usual. During the day, there is a place to take care of them, and someone to talk to, so it's less sad," Ms. Hieu said.
After meals, the elderly at the facility continue to participate in daily activities, and are also monitored by nurses for their health.
From monitoring health at the beginning of the day to before returning home, seemingly small things but helping the elderly and their families feel more secure when choosing daytime care models.
Mr. Dao Trong Luong (78 years old, Hanoi) said that the difference of the model lies in the fact that the elderly still maintain their attachment to their families but at the same time receive specialized care during their time at the grassroots level.
Normal nursing care is very different. As for this daytime health care, we are both cared for by our families, and cared for by the center, and cared for very attentively," said Mr. Dao Trong Luong.
Not only focusing on the quality of meals, the facility also changes the menu so that the elderly do not feel bored.
Ms. Mai Thi Phuong - Head of the Daytime Elderly Care Center in Bo De ward (Hanoi) - said that during the model experience period, meals are still provided free of charge.
Current meals are still free. The menu is changed daily, not repeated. From Monday to Thursday, the elderly eat rice; on Friday, the establishment changes dishes to vermicelli, pho or vermicelli soup," Ms. Phuong said.
The portion size is also adjusted based on the actual needs of the elderly. Many elderly people with limited appetite often suggest reducing the amount of rice in each serving.
The meal portion is divided according to quantity, we also encourage the elderly to try to eat it all because throwing away food is a waste. The elderly also gradually do not waste anything, they all eat it all," Ms. Phuong shared.
Daily meals are prepared, health monitoring and common activities are creating more space for the elderly to be cared for, interact and maintain community life, while also helping families have more choices in caring for their loved ones.
On September 16, Bo De ward organized the launch of the Daytime Elderly Care Center at No. 6 Gia Thuy Street (Hanoi).
With the launch of the Daytime Elderly Care Center model in Bo De ward, to date, Hanoi city has piloted in 6 communes and wards including: Long Bien, Dong Da, Quoc Oai, Tay Ho, Viet Hung and Bo De. The opening of this pilot model marks a new step in social security work, showing determination in joining hands to care for the health of the elderly in the Capital.
