REDUNDANT PUBLIC FACILITIES TRANSFORMED INTO DAYTIME CARE CENTRES FOR THE ELDERLY

One year after the implementation of the administrative apparatus restructuring and the two-tier local administration model, localities across Vietnam have largely completed the streamlining process and entered stable operation.

In many areas, surplus offices and public facilities have been reorganised and utilized efficiently. Long Bien ward in Hanoi is a notable example.

“Anti-loneliness” programme for
the elderly

Nguyen Manh Ha, Secretary of the Long Bien ward Party Committee and Chairman of the ward People’s Council, said following the implementation of the two-tier local administration model, Long Bien actively reviewed surplus facilities and explored ways to make better use for community services. The Thach Ban medical station on Thach Ban street was subsequently selected for investment and renovation into a daycare health facility for the elderly.

From a facility made redundant following the administrative restructuring, the site has gradually been transformed into a welcoming space offering comprehensive healthcare and social activities for older residents. It features dedicated areas for medical examination, emergency care, rehabilitation, nutritional care, rest, community activities, therapeutic exercise, and health education and communications.

The model aims not only to make effective use of surplus public facilities but also to provide an additional social welfare service directly benefiting residents.

The daycare health facility for elderly people in Long Bien ward officially became operational in early June.

Nguyen Thi Minh The, a 76-year-old resident in Long Bien ward, said after being informed of the facility, she has come for a health check-up and to experience its various activities. The shared that she has a history of musculoskeletal problems and nerve pain but rarely goes for medical check-ups.

At the centre, The was able to access medical examination and rehabilitation care, as well as social activities in the common room and various physical exercise and sports programmes.

Medical practitioner Nguyen Van Hung, who examined The, said she should undergo regular health check-ups so that medical staff can monitor her health and key indicators and promptly respond to any changes.

Nguyen Thi Luong, 78, said: “I am very pleased to have gained an opportunity to experience activities here today. I am satisfied with the services provided and the advice from the medical staff. As retirees, all we hope for is a healthy and happy living environment so that our children can feel at ease while working.”

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Putting the centre into operation will not only help make effective use of surplus infrastructure following the administrative reorganisation, but also add a social welfare facility serving local residents directly.

Nguyen Quoc Sinh, 86

Luong expressed her hope that more of the elderly will have access to such healthcare models, where they can participate in physical exercise and recreational activities while also gaining a chance to rest and receive health care. She said the model in Long Bien ward should be promoted and replicated in other localities nationwide.

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I am very pleased to have had the opportunity to experience
the activities here today. I am satisfied with the services provided and the
advice from the doctors and medical staff. As retired older people, all we hope
for is a healthy and happy living environment so that our children can feel at
ease while working.

Nguyen Thi Luong, 78, in Long Bien ward

The model has been integrated into the operations of the Thach Ban health centre, under the Long Bien ward health station. Operating on a “come in the morning, return home in the afternoon” basis, it neither provides overnight accommodation nor replaces inpatient treatment at hospitals. The elderly visiting here have access to health records, receive chronic disease monitoring, nutritional advice, rehabilitation and psychological support. They can also take part in a wide range of cultural, sports and community activities.

To develop the model, Long Bien has closely coordinated with the Hanoi Department of Health and Duc Giang General Hospital to establish operational procedures, provide professional support and staff training, conduct remote consultations, and facilitate emergency response and referrals when necessary.

City-wide model expansion under consideration

Vietnam is forecast to have around 18 million older people by 2030, accounting for nearly 20% of the population. In Hanoi alone, the number currently exceeds 1.3 million, equivalent to nearly 16% of the city’s population, and is expected to rise rapidly in the coming years.

Changes in the demographic structure are creating new requirements for policymaking. Behind these figures lies an increasingly pressing need to provide care and services for the elderly.

The elderly take part in activities at the daycare centre for older people in Long Bien ward. (Photo: VietnamPlus)

Party General Secretary and President To Lam said Politburo Resolution No. 72 on breakthroughs in strengthening the protection and care of people’s health outlines nine groups of key solutions, including strengthening preventive medicine and community health care, and developing grassroots healthcare and family doctor services. He stressed that every citizen must gain access to health care and that no one should be left behind.

Regarding senior citizens, the top leader expressed his hope for the development of healthcare and “anti-loneliness” centres for people in their 70s and 80s, particularly at times when their children and grandchildren are away at school or work.

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Amid the increasingly rapid aging of the population, developing comprehensive healthcare models for older people is a matter of social welfare and reflects a profound humanitarian value, helping improve the quality of life for residents of the capital.

Party General Secretary and State President To Lam

Less than a year since the top leader issued the direction, Hanoi has taken the lead in efforts to promote longevity and explore a “loneliness prevention” model for the eldely.

Rising life expectancy is an important achievement of the country’s socio-economic development and public healthcare efforts. However, it also poses new requirements for the health system, social welfare policies, and the responsibility of Party committees and authorities at all levels to ensure both the material and spiritual well-being of the elderly.

Nguyen Manh Ha, Secretary of the Long Bien ward Party Committee, stressed that in implementing Politburo Resolution No. 72-NQ/TW, the Hanoi Party Committee’s Action Plan No. 06-CTr/TU and the municipal People’s Committee’s Plan No. 71/KH-UBND, the Long Bien ward Party Committee has identified elderly health care, population aging adaptation, grassroots healthcare promotion, and social welfare as the responsibility of the health sector and the entire political system as well.

Long Bien ward is currently home to more than 8,700 older people, accounting for about 13% of its population, with nearly 6,000 suffering from chronic diseases requiring regular health monitoring and management. Meanwhile, rapid urbanisation, changes in family structures and modern lifestyles have further highlighted older people’s growing need for care, support and community connections.

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The Long Bien Party Committee and authorities consider
the establishment of a community-based healthcare model as essential. The
initiative aims to enable senior citizens to access healthcare services, medical
advice, rehabilitation, mental health support and social activities in a
convenient setting tailored to local conditions.

Nguyen Manh Ha, Secretary of the Long Bien ward Party Committee

Vice Chairwoman of the Hanoi People’s Committee Vu Thu Ha praised the pioneering efforts by the Party Committee, administration, Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee and mass organisations of Long Bien ward in implementing the elderly daytime healthcare model.

Ha also noted that as this is a pilot model, attention should be paid to assessing its effectiveness. After a period of trial operations, the ward should conduct a comprehensive assessment of the results achieved and emerging issues in order to improve the model for its replication across Hanoi./.