New center offers services to elderly
Print Edition
A new community center in Wujing Town opened its doors this month as a venue for local activities, entertainment, dining and other services for senior citizens living nearby.
The center on Longwu Road, locally known as Lane No. 1, is divided into two parts: a service area and an activities room. Services at the center are mostly provided by volunteers from non-governmental organizations in the district.
“This is a new experiment in integrating resources in the district,” said Yang Weiping, deputy Party director of Wujing Town. “We want to create a one-stop place where residents can receive services they need and also put some fun and social interaction into their lives.”
The center’s garden contains fitness equipment and easy walking trails. Inside the center, facilities are barrier-free and the floors are skid-proof.
Shower facilities are proving popular. The bathrooms are equipped with handrails and shower chairs.
“I don’t have a private bathroom at home,” said a resident surnamed Li. “Since I suffer from a chronic disease, I am always afraid that something might happen to me when I’m taking a shower. At the center, volunteers help with bathing and I feel much safer.”
The center’s canteen can accommodate 34 seniors at lunch. It also provides meal delivery to homes. A meal costs less than 10 yuan (US$1.61), making it affordable.
“All the services here are nonprofit,” said Yang Guoqi, a doctor at the center. “About 70 percent are free, and the rest have only minimal charges to cover costs.”
Residents are encouraged to instigate their own activities that might benefit others. One has started a sewing club; another a baking class. There’s also a massage salon underway.
“Residents have strong social power,” said Kong Shunxiang, director of the volunteer Xiangxiang Group. “At the center, we try to harness that power to the common good.”
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