Groundbreaking of Changhua City Minzu New Village Long-Term Care and Welfare Building to Provide Lifespan-Inclusive Services

Changhua County Government held the groundbreaking ceremony for the 'New Construction Project of Changhua City Minzu New Village Long-Term Care and Welfare Building' today (20th) at Minzu New Village Parent-Child Park, attended by Changhua County Magistrate Wang Hui-Mei, Director Chu Chien-Fang of the Long-Term Care Administration, Ministry of Health and Welfare, and other distinguished guests.

Magistrate Wang stated that the project receives a subsidy of NT$116.253 million from the Ministry of Health and Welfare. With budget support from Speaker Hsieh Tien-Lin and all county councilors, the county government has contributed NT$184.262 million, bringing the total budget—including planning, design, and supervision—to NT$301.05002 million. The main construction was awarded at NT$195 million, with interior finishing, equipment procurement, and operational planning to follow. Completion is expected in 2028, providing local residents with comprehensive lifespan-inclusive services in long-term care, child and youth welfare, disability support, and community development.

Located beside the Sky Playground, the building will boast one of the best views in Changhua County. It is a four-story above-ground complex with a total area of approximately 924.34 ping (about 3,055 sqm). The first floor will house a publicly-owned, privately-operated daycare center for 40 infants under age 2, along with a community day care service center for people with disabilities. The second floor will feature a toy and parent-child playroom, a实物 bank (in-kind donation center), and a community resource center.

The third floor will provide dementia-specific day care services and a group home for 30 people. The fourth floor will also serve as a dementia group home, accommodating 27 individuals—ensuring comprehensive care across all age groups. With Taiwan's dementia prevalence rate among those aged 65 and above at 7.99%, this facility includes specialized planning for dementia care, offering professional support.

Magistrate Wang noted that 20.8% of Changhua County's population is aged 65 or older, rising to 21.1% in Changhua City. To address this, the county has actively secured central government funding and is expanding long-term care and welfare stations. Of the 52 planned sites, 41 have been completed. Combined with the existing 377 community care stations, the county continues advancing toward its goal of 'one daycare center per school district, one service station per village or neighborhood,' enabling seniors to receive comprehensive care in familiar environments.

Changhua has pioneered a nationwide 'intergenerational integration' model for long-term care and welfare buildings, with 18 such projects underway. Facilities in Erh-Lin, Fangyuan, Jhutang, Dacheng, Yuanlin, and Beidou are already operational, while those in Pitou and Lukang Phase II are preparing to open. These developments aim to empower young people to work passionately for their hometowns without worrying about family care responsibilities.

Director Chu Chien-Fang of the Ministry of Health and Welfare's Long-Term Care Administration praised Changhua County for quickly identifying available land and resources upon the launch of the competitive funding program, successfully securing central funding. The progressive rollout of welfare buildings reflects successful collaboration between central and local governments and public-private partnerships.

Speaker Hsieh Tien-Lin expressed gratitude to Magistrate Wang and her administration for bringing welfare buildings to life across Changhua, serving both the elderly and children. He affirmed that all councilors will continue to fully support the county's long-term care policies.