Health check for the elderly at Dan Dien Commune Health Station

This year's theme: "For a healthy community - Joining hands to take care of the health of the elderly", further emphasizes the role of family, community and especially the health sector in the context of rapidly increasing population aging.

Join hands to care for the elderly

According to statistics, the city currently has more than 203 thousand elderly people, accounting for 16.6% of the population; of which, about 56% receive regular health check-ups. This is a positive sign but also poses many challenges when the majority of elderly people face chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, osteoporosis, etc.

BSCKII. Nguyen Van Toan, Head of the Population - Children Department, Hue City Department of Health emphasized: "The elderly are a special group of people who need comprehensive health care. Realizing this, the city's health sector has implemented many practical solutions to improve the quality of health care for the elderly, contributing to building a civilized and humane city."

In recent years, the grassroots health network has been strengthened and is considered the "front line" in community health care. Ward and commune health stations have been invested in facilities, human resources and equipment; at the same time, they manage personal health records and periodically monitor diseases. The implementation of electronic health records helps health workers detect abnormalities early, provide timely advice and treatment, limit complications, bring peace of mind to the elderly and reduce the burden on upper-level hospitals.

In parallel, screening programs for chronic diseases are organized regularly. Mr. Tran Van Minh (76 years old, Dan Dien commune) shared: "Thanks to participating in a screening session at a medical station near my home, I discovered I had high blood pressure. Since then, I have been instructed by doctors to take medication and have regular monitoring, and my health has been much more stable."

Dr. Phan Dung, Head of the Dan Dien Commune Health Station, said: “Every year, we organize at least two screening sessions for the elderly. Thanks to the information being widely disseminated to residential groups, more and more elderly people participate, and many chronic diseases have been detected and treated promptly. Mild cases are advised to be monitored at the station, while severe cases are supported with referrals to help the elderly feel secure.”

Diversify care models

Not only stopping at medical examination and treatment activities, Hue City's health sector also diversifies the model of elderly health care. Programs for screening cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and hypertension are organized periodically at health stations, helping the elderly to travel more conveniently. In particular, home health care services are expanded, targeting lonely elderly people with limited mobility. This is a humane model, helping the elderly access better health services and reduce pressure on upper-level health facilities. The team of doctors and nurses are trained in geriatric medicine, communication skills, and psychological care for the elderly.

Recently, the Hue City Center for Disease Control in collaboration with Phu Loc Medical Center organized a blood pressure screening for 300 elderly people in Long Quang commune. Many cases were brought under management and treatment consultation. Master, Doctor Le Viet Cuong, Director of Phu Loc Medical Center said: "The area we manage has more than 29,000 elderly people, so we always focus on health care work. In the coming time, the center will increase investment in equipment for medical stations to meet the care needs of people, especially the elderly."

In the context of rapid population aging, elderly care is no longer the sole responsibility of the health sector, but requires the joint efforts of the entire political system and community. With the attention of the government, the support of the community and the awareness of self-care of each person, Hue City is gradually building a healthy community where all people are cared for and receive timely health care, especially the elderly.

Article and photos: Ngoc Khanh

Source: https://huengaynay.vn/chinh-tri-xa-hoi/an-sinh-xa-hoi/diem-tua-cho-nguoi-cao-tuoi-158341.html