Wuxi in East China's Jiangsu province has explored ways to improve home-based senior care service through senior-oriented renovations, on-site services, and family nursing services integrating digital technology.
The bathroom of a senior who lives alone in Luzhuang community, Liangxi district, Wuxi after it has undergone senior-oriented renovations. [Photo provided to wuxinews.com.cn]
Senior-oriented renovations take into account the physical functions and behavioral characteristics of seniors. The corresponding renovations are carried out to make homes more safe and comfortable to live in, such as applying anti-slip treatment on floors, adding a bedside rail, as well as installing a gas alarm.
As of the end of 2020, senior-oriented renovations on 3,556 homes had been completed in Wuxi, while more than 2,500 homes are expected to undergo renovations this year.
A worker from a service center helps clean the kitchen of a senior who lives alone in Zhongqiao village, Liangxi district, Wuxi. [Photo provided to wuxinews.com.cn]
In addition, on-site services have been offered to seniors in need with the support of local authorities and institutions, offering daily care, emergency rescue, rehabilitation treatment, as well as companionship services.
As of 2020, more than 15 percent of seniors in Wuxi had received on-site services, with the annual investment in these services being over 100 million yuan ($15.66 million).
A smart senior care machine is installed in a senior's home to deal with emergencies. [Photo provided to wuxinews.com.cn]
Family nursing services integrating digital technology have been carried out for seniors in need of medical care. Apart from regular health care services, a smart senior care machine that boasts functions including emergency calls, video calls, as well as radio service is installed in the senior's home to ensure their safety.
