One-stop senior care center opens in Shanghai

Ti Gong

Shanghai opened the first one-stop senior care center in downtown Huangpu District over the weekend to provide free legal assistance and psychological support while catering to the needs for various recreational activities.

Social workers, psychological counselors and lawyers will be invited to provide free service for the elderly. The center on Xizang Rd S will also organize recreational activities, health consultancy and various classes for senior people.

Poor recognition or socializing abilities and loneliness are common problems due to aging, said the operator of the center, noting that the center aims to create a home-like atmosphere for the elderly to allow them to interact with different age groups.

Social workers who are experienced in psychological assistance will help the elderly at the center which has tapped on resources from social service organizations, volunteer groups, and the Fu Shou Yuan International Group.

Free service in will counseling, writing, registration and filing is offered for seniors over 60 years old at the center called Fushou Home which is in partnership with the Shanghai branch of the China Will Registration Center.

The need of seniors for managing their properties to avoid disputes over inheritance is increasing, said Huang Haibo, head of the will registration Shanghai branch.

He said 95 percent of the will was related to housing.

Recreational activities ranging from reading, movies, photos, chorus, calligraphy, tea ceremony and handicraft will be held regularly at the center.

Art and intangible cultural exhibitions will also be hosted.

At the center over the weekend, more than 10 seniors were chatting, painting and taking photos, while a drum team was making rehearsal.

"The center provides the very service tailored to seniors' life," said a nearby resident surnamed Ge in her 70s.