Following a recent landslide dam disaster in Guangfu Township, Hualien County, Taiwan, elderly residents from the area's only long-term care center have received crucial support in the form of assistive devices and medical equipment. These vital supplies, delivered by Tzu Chi volunteers, are helping to restore comfort and dignity to the seniors displaced from their home.
Displacement and Urgent Needs
The disaster, caused by an overflow from the Mata'an Weir, necessitated the urgent evacuation of 47 elderly residents from the Guangfu Long-Term Care Center. On September 22, they were all safely relocated to the Jifeng Elderly Care Center in Shoufeng Township.
Many of these seniors are either bedridden or require continuous oxygen support. The rapid evacuation meant that much of their essential equipment was either left behind, damaged, or destroyed by the floodwaters. While the Jifeng Elderly Care Center and other organizations have provided continuous assistance, significant gaps in necessary supplies remained.
Yu-Hua Hsu (許玉華), Director of the Guangfu Long-Term Care Center, recounted the challenging evacuation:
On September 22, the Hualien County Social Affairs Department notified us to evacuate. The Social Affairs Department, the Hualien County Long-Term Care Development Association, and our center worked together to arrange accessible buses and private ambulances to safely transport the elders. It was already windy and rainy, and it took from evening until midnight to complete the evacuation.
She added that many critical items were lost or damaged during the move. "We are still working on rebuilding and hope to move back by the end of the year."
Bringing Comfort and Familiarity
In response to this urgent need, Tzu Chi volunteers mobilized eco-friendly assistive devices quickly. They made deliveries on October 13, October 16, and again on November 5, providing a wide range of refurbished and essential equipment.
These supplies are helping the seniors adjust to their temporary home. Grandma Lin, an 80-year-old resident, expressed her gratitude simply, saying, "Thank you for coming and for your care!"
Another resident, Grandma Chen, also in her 80s, shared her personal experience. Her original home in Guangfu was damaged in the disaster, and her family is still managing the aftermath. She had moved into the Guangfu Long-Term Care Center a few years ago after a fall left her unable to walk.
I was born there [in Guangfu], and I've never encountered this kind of disaster before," she said. "The staff kept helping us move, and we didn't even know we should be worried. This place is good, and I'm slowly adapting, but I still want to go home.—Grandma Chen
Her words reflect the deep longing many of the seniors feel for their familiar surroundings.
Left: Inside the care center, volunteers carry components of assistive devices, such as the side panel for a hospital bed or lift table, into the active care environment. Right: Volunteers carefully work together to unload wheelchairs and other specialized assistive devices from a flatbed truck upon arrival in Hualien. | Photo: Yi-Chien Chen
Dedicated Volunteer Efforts
On November 5, six assistive device volunteers departed from Taipei and New Taipei cities early in the morning to deliver the latest batch of supplies. Upon arrival, they also took time to interact with the elders, sharing a sign language song to lift their spirits.
Chao-Chang Huang (黃朝昌), a volunteer, noted that this was his third trip from Taipei to Hualien with assistive devices.
This incident has received attention and response from all sectors. We also saw the kindness of many young people. These assistive devices were collected from various places," he explained. "After the disaster, many people’s home appliances, medical supplies, and assistive devices were damaged. It’s heartbreaking to see this. Tzu Chi uses available resources to help people, and we try our best to meet their needs.—Chao-Chang Huang, Tzu Chi Volunteer
Left: Tzu Chi volunteers work quickly to assemble and set up specialized assistive devices, such as adjustable over-bed tables, for the immediate benefit of the elderly residents. Right: Volunteers and staff utilize the elevator to efficiently transport heavy medical equipment, including oxygen concentrators and other vital devices, up to the residents' floor in the temporary care facility. | Photo: Yi-Chien Chen
The continuous efforts of these volunteers demonstrate a profound commitment to supporting those affected by the disaster, ensuring the elderly residents receive the specialized care and equipment they need during this challenging time.
Written by Yi-Chien Chen (陳誼謙)
Source: 關懷受災鄉親需求 慈濟環保輔具陸續送抵光復
