Elderly care facility blends comforts of home with professional medical services

Caring for the elderly is a pressing concern for families and governments alike. In Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, a pioneering approach is redefining how seniors are cared for, blending the comforts of home with the structure and support of professional care facilities.

At the heart of this initiative is the "Elderly Daycare Program", a concept that bridges the gap between institutional and home-based care. It provides seniors with a place to socialize, learn, exercise and dine together, while receiving the professional care and attention they need. It's a refreshing alternative for those who prefer to stay within their communities rather than move into a nursing home.

"While most streets in Hangzhou have home-care centers, our center focuses specifically on daycare for the elderly. It's similar to a daycare center for children," said Wu Jiarong, head of the Public Service Office in Nanxing Street, which opened a center in 2020.