First Day Care Center in Mountain Indigenous Township: 'Xinyi Zhuxiuyuan Community Long-Term Care Facility' Celebrates Grand Opening

Nantou County has launched long-term care services in mountainous indigenous areas with the 'Xinyi Zhuxiuyuan Community Long-Term Care Facility,' established by the Zhushan Show Chwan Medical Foundation. The facility officially commenced operations on the 28th at the second floor of the Xinyi Township Senior Citizens' Activity Center and Day Care Center. Lin Chih-chung, Director of the County Government's Department of Social and Labor Affairs, attended the opening ceremony on behalf of the county. Xinyi Zhuxiuyuan is not only the first day care center in a mountain indigenous township within the county, but Lin also announced the allocation of two rehabilitation buses to further enhance transportation capacity for long-term care services in indigenous communities. The opening ceremony began with vibrant performances of taiko drumming and dance by the Xinyi Senior Citizens Association and Shuanglong Cultural Health Station. Key attendees included Chu Chien-fang, Director of the Long-Term Care Division at the Ministry of Health and Welfare; Kucung Kalivangan, Deputy Minister of the Council of Indigenous Peoples; Lin Ting-yu, Director of the County Indigenous Affairs Department; County Councilors Wen Chuan-tsai, Shih Ching-lung, Chen Shu-hui, Huang Chun-lin, Wang Chiu-shu; Hsuan Chih-chien, Magistrate of Xinyi Township; and numerous local representatives and village chiefs, all jointly unveiling the facility amid a joyful atmosphere. Lin Chih-chung noted that as of June 2026, Nantou County's total population stands at 467,082, with 108,442 residents aged 65 or older—accounting for 23.22% of the total population, ranking third highest in Taiwan. To actively address the pressing demand for long-term care, the county is fully implementing the 'one junior high school district, one day care center' deployment principle, expanding community-based care services. The day care center for the Tongfu Junior High School district in Xinyi Township has already completed planning and design, and once construction begins, it is expected that a second day care center will soon serve the indigenous community. Currently, 28 out of 32 junior high school districts in the county have either completed or planned day care centers, achieving an 87.5% deployment rate. There are already 35 operational day care centers (32 offering combined care for physically and cognitively impaired seniors, 2 for physically impaired, and 1 for cognitively impaired). The county aims to establish up to 61 centers in the future, serving up to 2,570 individuals. Lin stated that the 'Xinyi Township Senior Citizens' Activity Center and Day Care Center' received NT$22.744 million from the Ministry of Health and Welfare's Forward-Looking Infrastructure Program—Urban and Rural Development—Public Service Hub Preparation Plan, with a county government matching fund of NT$13.77 million and a self-raised contribution of NT$8.251 million from the Xinyi Township Office, totaling NT$44.765 million for the new construction. After more than eight years of planning and collaborative effort, the opening of the day care center marks the successful completion of this landmark public project, now fully serving the well-being of indigenous elders. Chuang Pi-kun,院长 of Zhuxiuyuan, stated that the facility provides integrated day care services for physically and cognitively impaired seniors, serving up to 30 individuals, with service coverage extending to Xinyi and Shuili Townships. The interior is designed to feel like a warm 'home,' incorporating local indigenous cultural elements. It also collaborates with the professional medical team from Zhushan Show Chwan Hospital to offer comprehensive care, including daily living assistance, health promotion, recreational activities, family counseling, meal preparation, and bathing support, significantly reducing caregiver burden. With the addition of two rehabilitation buses transferred by the county government, indigenous elders can now access medical care and day care services more conveniently, safely, and securely, truly realizing a comprehensive, localized care network.