Thailand relies on volunteers to handle the elderly in the society

Nakhon Nayok/Thailand – For the increasing importance of voluntary work, the Ministry of Public Health has introduced the Village Health Volunteer system to the country.

Volunteers’ responsibility is not exclusive to basic healthcare of measuring blood pressure and glucose of the elderly or advising them on how to take care of their health but they also take care of their daily lives and mental health to make sure they do not feel lonely or get depressed.

The number of elderly people in Thailand reaches 13 million this year, with around 30% of them being home alone, according to the National Statistical Office of Thailand.

Elderly people at Wang Dok Mai village voiced pleasure and satisfaction with living in the place and the service they provide.

“I feel relieved that I get to live in this community. There’s someone who would take me to the hospital right away. There are people around me who are close to and take care of me. I don’t feel scared if something happens because I can just call any of them nearby,” Thomya Wongsong said.

“I’m glad that they visit to ask how I am or how was my treatment. If no one comes, I’ll just sleep here. Just sleep,” Wimol Boonma said.
Taking responsibility upon themselves, volunteers showed great enthusiasm and spirit towards their work.

“It’s not tiring if you ask me. I do this to show merit because it’s something we should support each other. Sometimes, when their descendants aren’t home, we’ll visit and have a chat with them,” Village Health Volunteer Ratchanee Manee said.

Meanwhile, Anchalee Boonyookong, head of Village Health Volunteer at Wang Dok Mai, reiterated that they strive to maintain a family atmosphere by, for example, tending to the sick, taking care of residents, visiting them all frequently, inviting them out, or doing exercises, etc.