从适老改造到医养结合 为乡土晚年铺就安途

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the challenges and solutions for elderly care in rural areas of Shandong Province, particularly focusing on the initiatives taken in Huimin County to address the increasing number of disabled elderly individuals due to urbanization and labor migration [1][2]. Group 1: Elderly Care Initiatives - Huimin County has implemented a series of measures including home modifications for elderly individuals, integrating medical and nursing care, and providing home care services to address the needs of disabled elderly residents [1][2][4]. - Since 2022, the county has completed home modifications for 3,942 households, focusing on creating a safe living environment with features like smoke detectors and emergency buttons [2][4]. - The home care services are tailored to the needs of elderly individuals, with caregivers providing assistance with daily activities and even running errands for them [2][3]. Group 2: Medical and Nursing Integration - The integration of medical and nursing care is exemplified by the establishment of the Zhongkang Elderly Care Rehabilitation Center, which offers 24-hour medical services and a closed-loop system for health management [4][6]. - The center serves 110 elderly individuals, with 80% being from rural areas, and provides not only medical care but also social activities to enhance their quality of life [4][6]. - The county has also established a green channel for severe cases, allowing elderly individuals to receive immediate medical attention without the need for appointments [6][7]. Group 3: Challenges in Elderly Care - Despite the improvements, there are still cultural barriers preventing some elderly individuals from utilizing nursing homes, as many associate them with abandonment [6][7]. - Concerns about end-of-life arrangements and the stigma associated with moving to a nursing home continue to hinder the acceptance of institutional care among rural elderly [7][8]. - The county is exploring community-based solutions, such as involving retired professionals in providing care and creating a points system to incentivize support for elderly individuals [8].