Taiwanese county promotes 'quasi-family' care for seniors in institutions

Pingtung County in Taiwan is actively promoting an "advocacy care service" designed to offer companionship and support to elderly individuals residing in care facilities. The initiative focuses on addressing the emotional and social needs of seniors, particularly those who may lack regular family visits.

Through a structured training program, individuals are prepared to become "advocacy caregivers." These trained professionals conduct regular visits to elder care institutions. Their role extends beyond basic care, encompassing active listening, understanding residents' needs, and facilitating communication between the elderly individuals and the facility management. The program emphasizes ensuring that seniors feel not only cared for but also genuinely seen and valued.

Currently, 45 advocacy caregivers are serving over 100 elderly residents in Pingtung County. The role of an advocacy caregiver is distinct from general volunteer work, requiring candidates to pass interviews, undergo professional training, and complete internships. They are tasked with providing psychological and social support, advocating for residents' rights, and acting as a crucial link to voice concerns and needs.

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Many people think we just go to chat with the elderly, but what's more important is listening to their inner thoughts, letting them know that someone is willing to care, willing to stand by them.

To encourage broader participation, Pingtung County offers a visiting service fee and is the sole municipality in Taiwan to provide transportation subsidies for these caregivers. Since 2024, the county government has partnered with the Hong Dao Senior Welfare Foundation to conduct advocacy caregiver training. The foundation highlights that the core objective is to safeguard the rights and safety of the elderly, positioning advocacy caregivers as akin to "quasi-family members" for the residents.

The training has attracted diverse participants, including university students like Yu from Meho University of Science and Technology, who was inspired by past experiences of supporting elderly neighbors. Yang Zhi-qiong, an advocacy caregiver with over six years of experience, stressed the importance of listening to seniors' hearts and making them feel cared for. She shared an experience with a visually impaired elder who initially lacked trust but eventually opened up through consistent companionship.

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The core goal of advocacy care service is to protect the rights and safety of the elderly. Advocacy caregivers are not just companions, but more like the elders' 'quasi-family members,' understanding the elderly's living conditions in the institution through regular visits and helping them express their needs and voices.