Our goal is to create "Stable Homes and Friendly Communities," with a focus on home safety improvements, an eco-friendly platform for extending the life of assistive devices, meal delivery services for vulnerable elderly, community care centers for health promotion and disability prevention, and the use of digital healthcare systems. Through these efforts, we aim to enhance home medical care and health services for disadvantaged groups, ensuring that the elderly can enjoy a healthy, peaceful, and happy later life.
Project Background
Loneliness, health issues, and financial difficulties are challenges that many elderly people face. As Master Cheng Yen once said, "When those in need cannot find a way out of their suffering, we must step forward to understand their pain. Some may be physically disabled, while others, like the elderly, are isolated and without support, desperately needing regular visits. I encourage Tzu Chi volunteers to focus on visiting elderly individuals who live alone or those with disabilities.”
Elderly Care Actions
Project focus:
Tzu Chi Eco-Friendly Assistive Devices
Operating under the "One Platform Per County" model, the Tzu Chi Eco-Friendly Assistive Devices Platform has established a reconditioning process to provide safe, sanitary, and appropriate assistive devices to those in need. This initiative not only improves public health and welfare but also eases economic burdens for disadvantaged families and promotes environmental sustainability.
Creating a Safe and Comfortable Home
A safe and comfortable living space for the elderly is vital to helping them maintain dignity and independence. When a 72-year-old man, bedridden for a year after a fall, struggled alone in a cluttered and unsafe home, Tzu Chi stepped in following a referral from the township office. Collaborating with the village chief and a day care center, a 46-member team of volunteers worked together to clear years of accumulated clutter, transforming his home into a clean and secure environment. Volunteers provided a reconditioned medical bed, assistive devices, and fresh bedding, making his home not only safer but also more welcoming. This improved space uplifted his spirits and strengthened his connection with the community.
Home Safety Improvements
To reduce the risk of falls, Tzu Chi volunteers mobilized to improve the living conditions of homes belonging to elderly, disabled, and disadvantaged households. Their efforts included installing safety handrails, creating barrier-free ramps, applying non-slip measures, and enhancing lighting, all with the goal of preventing accidents and ensuring a safer living environment.
Nearby Protection for the Elderly
At Tzu Chi’s Jing Si Halls, recycling stations, or through collaboration with neighbors in the community, Tzu Chi has established a support system that functions as "daycare for the elderly" and "community long-term care." This initiative known as the "Silver Health Care" project allows seniors to maintain a healthy lifestyle in familiar surroundings.
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The An-Mei Elderly Care Initiative embodies Tzu Chi's dedication to fostering a compassionate society for the elderly. Through initiatives like the Eco-Friendly Assistive Devices Platform, home safety enhancements, and community care programs, Tzu Chi volunteers ensure vulnerable seniors are supported, safe, and connected. This project not only addresses the physical and emotional needs of the elderly but also nurtures a spirit of love and community, enriching lives for all.
“When those in suffering cannot come to us, we must go to them.”
— Master Cheng Yen
