How to care for the elderly has become a hot topic in China recently. Elderly departments may provide a solution.

Wu Qiuxia, director of the Zhangjiagang elderly department, said the department was built in 2010 with an investment of 195 million yuan ($32.16 million). There are 650 beds in the department and five separate areas: a self-service living area with 46 beds, a casual living area with 129 beds, a recovery area with 159 beds, a medical care area with 250 beds and a special care area with 66 beds.

An air conditioning system in the department keeps the temperature constant. A large indoor entertainment area has been set up in the department, allowing the elderly to watch movies, surf the Internet, exercise and read. There is also an outdoor gated playground.

Staff at the department organize various activities for the elderly, such as morning exercise, opera programs, spring tours, park trips and art performances.

The department has a supermarket, hair salon, laundromat and meeting room.

Wu Qiuxia introduced some basic services in the department.

“We provide couples rooms for elderly couples to live. Others can choose single rooms, double rooms, triple rooms and six-person rooms. There is a bedroom, living room, kitchen and restroom in one suite with furniture, TV, a separate air-conditioner, telephone, Internet and hot water. In restrooms and the corridors, there are handrails and non-slip flooring. Warning equipment is set at the head of every bed.”

Professional nutritionists are invited to design scientific, healthy, delicious and nutritious dishes for the elderly, according to Wu.

The price of accommodation ranges from 1,460 yuan per month to 2,050 yuan per month.

Chen Zhongli, a resident of the department, said, “I’m satisfied with the service in the department. Staff here are patient and passionate. Equipment and activities are good. I can feel that the staff treat us like family – they take care of us with love. It is heaven for the elderly here.”