Thailand, the Land of Smiles, is gracefully entering an era where the silver hair glistens a little brighter under the tropical sun. With a population where 20% have joyfully celebrated their 60th birthday, the country is swiftly making a bold transition into what’s fondly becoming known as an aged society. But hold that thought—because the narrative here isn’t just about the passage of time; it’s about the vibrancy of life in those years!
During an enlightening press conference held last Thursday, the dynamic Visit Vamvanij, the Deputy Dean at Siriraj’s Faculty of Medicine, unfolded an exciting partnership with the culinary giants at Minor Food. The goal? To garner support for a cutting-edge venture—the Siriraj Academic Centre of Geriatric Medicine. This isn’t just any center; it’s poised to be the cornerstone of healthy aging in the heart of Samut Sakhon province.
Imagine a society where the elderly aren’t just adding years to life, but life to years. Thailand is at the cusp of becoming a super-aged society within a decade, with projections showing that over 28% of the population will be basking in their golden years. But as Mr. Vamvanij so poignantly noted, longevity doesn’t automatically translate to good health. Indeed, the sprightliness of youth often gives way to the fragility of age. That’s precisely why Siriraj’s beacon of hope—spanning an impressive 9.488 acres—is being developed to bridge that gap.
With its soft opening penciled in for January, and a full-on launch by mid-2024, this haven will initially focus on cocooning those elderly patients who are on the mend from acute health escapades. Picture this: a sanctuary where specialized doctors, nurturing nurses, and expertly trained staff converge, equipped to the teeth with the finest medical gadgets designed specifically for post-critical care. Because here, every second counts, and every detail matters in the journey towards recuperation.
Siriraj’s data paints a striking picture: a staggering 30% of geriatric patients find themselves back in the hospital’s embrace merely two weeks after they are sent home. It’s a loop no one wants to be caught in, and one that Siriraj is determined to break. From physical therapy that rekindles the strength in a broken leg to the careful choreography of medication management for stroke survivors, this centre is laser-focused on ensuring that each golden ager not only bounces back but does so with a renewed zest for life.
The centre’s mission is clear: to be a bulwark against the decline, faithfully guiding Thailand’s seniors to a state of flourishing health and unwavering wellness. Their intention? To cultivate a model of care where rejuvenation isn’t a mere concept but a tangible reality, embracing the innovative intermediate care system. This is all about rehabilitation and preparation, where patients are not just on the mend but getting ready to waltz back into their homes and the wider community with autonomy and grace.
Within the next two years, the Siriraj Centre will broaden its embrace, unveiling the second phase dedicated to proactive well-being. Think of it as a welcoming place where screenings and check-ups are the daily special, catching any hidden health quirks early, even in those who are just a whisker away from their 60s. The centre will also become an academy for those who dedicate their lives to caring for the elderly, offering intensive training that blends compassion with expertise.
Prof Emeritus Udom Kachintorn, a mastermind behind the Siriraj Foundation, highlights a surge in elderly patients keen for a second wind after medical woes. But it’s often the knowledge gap in adequate care that leads to repeated hospital sojourns. Amid these challenges, Siriraj Hospital steps up, becoming the proverbial lighthouse guiding the elderly and their carers to a shore of understanding and high-quality care.
The project, a majestic tour de force, stands tall at 3 billion baht with a 2.2 billion baht horizon that beckons the completion of the second phase and the promise of perpetual care. As the price tag is hefty, Udom beckons champions from all sectors to spur this dream into vivid reality.
Enter Minor Food Group, taking stage as a stalwart ally in the campaign #MinorCares. It’s an initiative sprinkled with culinary charm that urges customers to partake in a heartwarming act of giving just by enjoying a meal. With each order from favourite brands like The Pizza Company and Burger King, patrons contribute directly to the seeds of the Siriraj Geriatric wonderland.
And for those who adore the ease of tech, QR Payment donations are just a tap away, bringing the center that much closer to fruition. It’s a collaborative dance where each step, each contribution, brings a renewed sense of hope—pioneering a sustainable and verdant elderly community—the vibrant future of Thai society.
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