A group of elderly people watch films while enjoying tea in air-conditioned rooms at Home Furuili in Jing'an district. [Photo/Shanghai Observer]

Shanghai's communities are mobilizing to improve living conditions for elderly residents during the summer. As temperatures continue to exceed 30 degrees, special efforts are being made to assist elderly residents, especially those living alone.

In Huangpu district's Wuliqiao subdistrict, volunteers are paired with elderly residents to follow up on their physical conditions and help solve any difficulties during day-to-day life. Pengpu Xincun subdistrict in Jing'an district has also arranged for volunteers and community staff members to make similar visits to the elderly. In a residential area that houses more than 150 elderly people, they helped conduct onsite security checks regarding gas and electrical systems, while also bringing supplies such as blood pressure monitors to residents.

In addition, the elderly care home in Ruijin Erlu subdistrict has continued its care services during the summertime, providing short-term stays for elderly people at 3,500 yuan ($481.25) per month. Twenty-two elderly people have chosen to utilize this service.

According to the staff member in charge at Jiangpulu subdistrict Service Office, some elderly people are not willing to or not aware of how to turn on an air conditioner or fan. To address the problem, they cooperated with the community service center to send reminders through in-person visits, phone calls, and WeChat messages.

Dining is also one of the services that communities are working on to improve. At the community canteen on Linfenlu subdistrict, Jing'an district, the period for serving desserts was changed from its previous 3 pm to 4:30 pm time-slot, to the new noon to 1 pm time-slot. "The elderly can buy the desserts after they finish their meals to avoid another trip here," said chef Dong Juntang.

A pilot project was launched three years ago by Changfeng Xincun subdistrict in Putuo district and delivery platform Eleme to set up a food delivery service team for the elderly. Zong Bo, head of Eleme's distribution station in the area, said that the station has delivered nearly 40,000 meals to more than 1,500 elderly people with limited mobility.

A number of community service organizations such as service centers and activity rooms for the elderly in various communities across the city have become summer resorts for the elderly. These places basically open every day during the daytime for the elderly to come in and socialize in air-conditioned rooms.

"Recently, the temperature in Shanghai has become quite high, and we need to pay more attention to the physical conditions of the elderly, especially those with special diseases. The caregivers will communicate with their families in a timely manner and observe their conditions at all times," said Yao Yingying, head of the care center in Jing'an district's Caojiadu subdistrict. "The subdistrict has also prepared heatstroke prevention and cooling supplies for the care center in advance so that the elderly can be at ease during the summer."

Source: Jiefang Daily