Toufen Jianguo Community Care Center Opens to Support Local Elderly Residents

Miaoli County Government continues expanding its network of community care centers to support aging populations. On July 16, 2023, County Magistrate Chung Tung-jin attended the inauguration of the Jianguo Community Care Center in Toufen City, marking it as the 234th such facility in the county and the 21st in Toufen, achieving an 84.48% coverage rate. The Magistrate encouraged seniors to actively participate in center activities to promote healthy aging.

To enhance facility infrastructure, the county and local township office will jointly subsidize the installation of a kitchen, enabling volunteers to prepare nutritious and delicious meals in a safe and efficient environment.

The Jianguo Community operates on Mondays and Thursdays from 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM, guided by the philosophy that 'those who are cared for can also care for others.' The center offers a range of services including phone check-ins, health promotion programs, and meal services. A team of 30 volunteers has been mobilized to create a supportive, community-based aging-in-place environment.

The opening ceremony was attended by Magistrate Chung, legislators Hsiao Yung-hsuan, Cheng Chu-jan, Hsu Kung-fan, Chen Yung-hsien, Chen Pin-an, Tseng Wen-hsueh, Chen Kuang-hsuan, Toufen Mayor Lo Hsueh-chu, City Council Speaker Wen I-ching, and other local representatives. The event featured a lively performance by the Magistrate, with seniors clapping along to the music, creating a joyful and vibrant atmosphere.

Magistrate Chung expressed gratitude to Council Chairman Lai Yung-jen, General Director Tang Te-fu, and all volunteer partners, emphasizing that such initiatives rely entirely on community participation. He urged more residents to join the effort, aiming to surpass 240 care centers by year-end. He highlighted that these centers serve as vital gathering spaces for retirees, offering companionship, conversation, and shared meals to strengthen community bonds. He encouraged physically capable seniors to become volunteers, fostering a reciprocal care culture where today’s helpers become tomorrow’s recipients.

Chung stressed that as Miaoli enters a super-aged society, elderly care is among the most critical policy priorities. The county plans to increase the three-festival gift allowance to NT$5,000. While full national health insurance exemption like in the six major cities is unfeasible due to fiscal constraints, the county will exempt seniors aged 80 and above from health insurance premiums, funded by NT$385 million in stamp tax revenue secured by the Tax Bureau from Taipower and CPC.

The Magistrate affirmed that improving elderly welfare and well-being requires collective effort. He pledged county-level responsibility for facility upgrades, with township co-funding, to ensure all care centers operate in optimal environments.