Tibetannet

The elderly are having meals in  the Five Guarantees Centralized Support Service Center in Nedong, Shannan City, southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region.

The elderly are having meals in the Five Guarantees Centralized Support Service Center in Nedong, Shannan City, southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region.

It is at noon and the sun is shining providing warmth for everyone. In the Five Guarantees Centralized Support Service Center in Nedong, Shannan City, Tibet, the 80-year-old Dekyi Tsomo is having her lunch with content from her rice bowl.

The five guarantees mean to guarantee the food, the clothing, the housing, the medical care and the funeral of the elderly people.

Dekyi Tsomo is from Potrang Gela village in Nedong, and relies on others for living as she has no children. In July 2015, the Nedong Five Guarantees Centralized Support Service Center opened and Dekyi Tsomo moved there to live out her days in peace.

"I’m fed three times a day and when I put my laundry by the door someone will clean them and send them back; I don’t need to worry about being sick as the government will reimburse the costs,” Deyki Tsomo smiles radiantly while talking about her current life.

There are 212 elderly people at the Five Guarantees Centralized Support Service Center in Nedong, with the oldest being 86 years old. In order guarantee them a comfortable life in twilight years, the center follows the nutritional advices of experts to serve meals as well as provide hot water 24 hours a day.

The staff also learned how to cut their hair, and for the disabled there are special care workers to help them take a shower.

When we walked into the accommodation building, several staff members were washing clothes for the elderly, and there were cleaning staff going in and out every now and then to clean their rooms.

In Dekyi Tsomo’s room, there are some barley flour, butter and other food. And it is full of vitality with a few pots of flower on the balcony.

"In case of emergencies, they can press the button and the duty staff will be here immediately,” said Benpa Drolma, the person in charge at the center, pointing to the red button by the bed.

"There are surveillance cameras in every corridor and staff on duty 24 hours a day. This ensures that we can deal any situation as soon as it arises.”

On the basis of guaranteeing basic living for the elderly, the center invites one or two art groups to perform each month.

Phurbu Drolma, one of the nurses said, “a few days ago, we invited the retired cadres art troupe to perform. Those in better health were particularly happy as they sang and danced along with them.”

"When the elderly are hospitalized, the village committee sends someone to accompany them and the staff on duty help send them food,” said Benpa Drolma. “Under exceptional circumstances, we will arrange for staff to accompany them 24 hours a day or the sick might feel lonely.”

While at the service center, Dekyi Tsomo met and fell in love with Nyima Tsering， an elder enjoying Five Guarantees from the Tsethang Neighborhood Committee.

"We’re planning on having a wedding during the Tibetan New Year and you’re invited!”  Benpa Drolma exclaimed as the interview was coming to an end.