On the morning of October 10, the multimedia room of the Guizhou National Investment Health Senior Apartment was filled with melodious music. The 89-year-old resident, Jiang Manyun, began to dance slowly to the rhythm, a broad smile on her face. “The environment here is great, and the service is attentive; everyone praises my good spirits.” Jiang, a former music teacher, remarked, “I love singing and dancing. Here, I feel like I’ve returned to my younger days of teaching.”
This senior apartment, financed with 150 million yuan from the Guizhou Provincial Civil Affairs Department, has been operated by Guotou Health (Guizhou) Elderly Care Service Co., Ltd. for five years now. Upon entering the facility, one can observe warmth and camaraderie: elderly residents gather around chess tables, laughter echoing; in the rehabilitation area, caregivers assist seniors with their exercises.
For 84-year-old Deng Mingying and her 86-year-old husband, Li Jixin, the apartment serves as a haven of happiness. They moved in together on August 5 of last year and encourage each other daily at the rehabilitation gym. “Old man, practice your legs more so you can accompany me on walks,” Deng advises her husband.
The apartment establishes a personalized health record for each resident, providing tailored plans for chronic disease management and rehabilitation care. They also regularly invite specialists from provincial and county hospitals to offer consultations and collaborate with the Longli County Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital to ensure seamless integration of medical care and rehabilitation.
The first resident of the apartment, 92-year-old Wu Lingyue, shared, “When I first arrived, I weighed just over 70 pounds; now I weigh more than 90.” Wu expressed her happiness, saying, “The cultural life here is rich and varied, with companionship and care.”
Huang Xidong, the deputy director of the apartment, stated that in addition to basic care and medical services, they have partnered with the Longli County Senior University to conduct weekly activities such as recitation, paper-cutting, and singing. They also celebrate group birthdays each month and organize special events during traditional festivals. “It’s essential not only for seniors to have good food and comfortable living but also to care about whether their later years are vibrant,” Huang emphasized, highlighting the importance of addressing the spiritual needs and quality of life for the elderly.
From Wu Lingyue’s weight gain journey to Jiang Manyun’s joyful dancing, and the loving support shared between the Li couple, the integration of medical, health, and recreational services allows residents in the apartment to experience a fulfilling life. Currently, Longli County is using this apartment as a model to explore a path of “government leadership, social participation, institutional support, and innovative models," gradually developing a new diversified service pattern that connects home, community, and institutions, complete with medical, rehabilitation, and care functions.