Welfare center opens new path for senior citizens

Editor:李苏璇
Source:chinadaily.com.cn
Updated:2020-06-23 14:36:22

The elders sit on the bench and pose for photo at a social assistance and welfare center in Hongyuan county of Aba Tibetan and Qiang autonomous prefecture in Southwest China's Sichuan province on June 15, 2020. [Photo by Chang Ying/for chinadaily.com.cn]

Elderly care has become easier for the poor and ailing senior citizens thanks to the existence of a social assistance and welfare center in Hongyuan county of Aba Tibetan and Qiang autonomous prefecture in Southwest China's Sichuan province.

Completed in September 2008 and put into use in May 2009, the center accepts people aged over 60 who are living in poverty or suffer from Kashin-Beck disease, a painful joint disorder that is specific to mountainous areas.

Currently, 37 elderly people with such difficulties across the county are living at the welfare center and another 43 nursing beds are available.

All aspects of their lives are taken care of at the center. Everyone has a suite with a bedroom and a small living room. Canteen, gym, recreation room and infirmary are also available.

Seniors go through their daily routines at a social assistance and welfare center in Hongyuan county of Aba Tibetan and Qiang autonomous prefecture in Southwest China's Sichuan province on June 15, 2020. [Photo by Zhang Wenfang/chinadaily.com.cn]

Every month, they receive 100 yuan ($14) or 200 yuan, depending on which areas, villages or towns they are from.

As most of the residents follow Tibetan Buddhism and some have mobility problems, a building with prayer wheels was built for them to practice Buddhist devotions nearby, instead of going far to temples.

"We not only care for the elders' physical health, but also their spiritual needs," Gyayang, one of the four caretakers of the center, said.

From construction to operation, all the expenses are covered by the local government.

Sitting on benches to chat in groups, bathing in warm sunshine and spinning prayer wheels, these have become the normal daily activities of the elders who were helpless in the past.

The gym at a social assistance and welfare center in Hongyuan county of Aba Tibetan and Qiang autonomous prefecture in Southwest China's Sichuan province on June 15, 2020. [Photo by Zhang Wenfang/chinadaily.com.cn]

One of the bedrooms provided to the elders at a social assistance and welfare center in Hongyuan county of Aba Tibetan and Qiang autonomous prefecture in Southwest China's Sichuan province on June 15, 2020. [Photo by Zhang Wenfang/chinadaily.com.cn]

A small living room provided to the elders at a social assistance and welfare center in Hongyuan county of Aba Tibetan and Qiang autonomous prefecture in Southwest China's Sichuan province on June 15, 2020. [Photo by Zhang Wenfang/chinadaily.com.cn]