Elderly people seek modern nursing homes
No longer simply seen as a place for the elderly when their health declines, modern nursing models are gradually becoming the choice of those who want to actively prepare for old age life.
With a scientific schedule, regular health care regime and many exchange and entertainment activities, this model helps the elderly maintain physical and mental health and have more environment to connect with people of the same generation.
After more than 40 years of living in the US, Mr. Mai Tien Thanh returned to Vietnam and decided to move to live in a nursing home when he was over 80 years old. For him, this is a carefully considered choice to find a suitable environment, ensuring health and living in old age.
My husband and I went to the US in the 1980s. Before moving to the nursing home, I considered it because we are over 80 years old. I want to choose a facility that ensures my health and adequate living. For more than half a year in the nursing home, we are very satisfied with the good care of doctors and nurses. Next is very regular living," Mr. Mai Tien Thanh said.
According to Mr. Thanh, what he is most satisfied with is that his health is monitored regularly, and his diet and rest are maintained scientifically.
Besides, practicing and interacting with peers also helps daily life become happier and more proactive," Mr. Thanh said.
Choosing a life at a nursing home, Ms. Tran Thi Ngoc Huyen (66 years old) believes that the current models of elderly care have changed a lot, not only focusing on caring for the elderly when they are sick but also towards spiritual life and quality of life.
I have been in nursing homes for two years. Here I always receive the attention of doctors, and have regular check-ups. If I have anything to do, I am transferred to the hospital immediately, without having to move around myself. Everyone here is of the same age, so it is very easy to share," Ms. Ngoc Huyen said.
Not only receiving health care, Ms. Huyen also regularly participates in many club activities such as making handicrafts, singing, painting, health exercises, picnics...
Do not separate the elderly from the family
Besides the long-term centralized living model, another approach being implemented is daycare for the elderly. Instead of permanently moving to nursing homes, the elderly can come here in the morning to be cared for, participate in activities and return home to their children and grandchildren at the end of the day.
The daytime elderly care facility in Tay Ho ward is one of the models piloted by Hanoi City to innovate the method of elderly care in a proactive, comprehensive and community-based direction.
Ms. Duong Thi Minh (Hanoi) is one of the elderly people who experienced this model. Ms. Minh was surprised to learn that this model was implemented by Tay Ho ward.
The space at the facility feels more like a living and resting place for the elderly than a traditionally imagined care facility," Ms. Minh said.
Ms. Minh shared that at the facility, she is taken care of very thoughtfully, eats fully, suitable for her age, and feels younger.
In the morning, we go to the nursing home, and in the afternoon we can go home to our children and grandchildren, so we are very happy. The children are also more reassured," Ms. Minh confided.
The difference of the daycare model is that the elderly still maintain life with their families, but during the daytime there is an additional environment to be cared for, eat, exercise and socialize.
From modern nursing homes to daycare facilities, the approach to old age is gradually changing. Elderly people not only need care when their health is weak but also need an environment to help them maintain proactiveness, social connection and enjoy life.
