Vietnam is a rapidly aging country, with the number of people aged 60 and above expected to reach 21% of the population by 2038. As a result, there is increasing concern about the availability and quality of elderly care in the country. In this article, we will explore how elderly people are treated in Vietnam and the availability and standard of residential homes, care homes, and nursing homes in the country.
Traditional Family Care
Traditionally, elderly people in Vietnam have been cared for within the family. This is still the most common form of elderly care in the country, with many elderly people living with their adult children or grandchildren. In many cases, elderly parents will move in with their children and be cared for by them in their old age. This is seen as a way of repaying the debt of gratitude that children owe their parents for raising them.
Challenges of Family Care
However, the tradition of family care is becoming increasingly difficult to maintain. Urbanization and changing cultural norms mean that younger generations are more likely to move away from their hometowns to find work. This can make it difficult for them to care for elderly relatives who remain in their hometowns. In addition, the cost of living is rising, which means that many families cannot afford to support their elderly relatives.
Government Support
The Vietnamese government is aware of the challenges faced by elderly people and their families and has taken steps to provide support. The Social Security Law, which was introduced in 2014, provides pensions for elderly people who are over 80 and have limited income. The government has also introduced a range of policies and programs to support elderly people, including free healthcare for those over 80 and the construction of nursing homes and care centers.
Residential Homes
Residential homes are becoming increasingly popular in Vietnam as an alternative to family care. Residential homes provide a range of services, including meals, medical care, and social activities. The standard of residential homes in Vietnam varies widely, with some providing high-quality care and others providing inadequate care.
One of the leading providers of residential homes in Vietnam is the Thien Duc Elderly Care Center, which has facilities in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Hue. The Thien Duc Elderly Care Center provides a range of services, including medical care, physical therapy, and social activities. They also offer training programs for caregivers and family members.
Care Homes
Care homes provide a higher level of care than residential homes. They are staffed by trained caregivers who can provide medical care, assistance with activities of daily living, and social activities. Care homes in Vietnam are generally privately run, and the standard of care can vary widely.
One of the leading providers of care homes in Vietnam is the Hoa Binh Social Protection Center. The Hoa Binh Social Protection Center provides care for elderly people with disabilities and those who have been abandoned by their families. They offer medical care, physical therapy, and social activities.
Nursing Homes
Nursing homes in Vietnam provide the highest level of care for elderly people. They are staffed by trained nurses who can provide medical care, assistance with activities of daily living, and social activities. Nursing homes in Vietnam are generally privately run, and the standard of care can vary widely.
One of the leading providers of nursing homes in Vietnam is the Hanoi Nursing Home. The Hanoi Nursing Home provides a range of services, including medical care, physical therapy, and social activities. They also offer training programs for caregivers and family members.
In conclusion, elderly care in Vietnam is still in the early stages of development. While the government has recognized the need for better care services for elderly people, the quality and availability of these services vary widely. Family care and informal care are still the preferred options for many elderly people in Vietnam, and there is a low demand for care homes and nursing homes. However, as Vietnam’s population continues to age, there is likely to be a growing demand for more specialized and high-quality care services for elderly people in the future.