The Elderly
The Order of Malta Thailand began to provide wheelchairs and lever-propelled tricycles to serve the needs of the disabled elderly people. Being unable to move and be independent, was not only a challenge for the elderly, but also for family members. It was not just a physical issue but emotional as well, as it caused distress and depression. This was the start of The Wheelchair Project. Since 2016, the order has been working closely with community leaders to distribute annually around 50 wheelchairs and lever-propelled tricycles, amounting to nearly 300 so far.
The Elderly Day Care Project is a new pilot project focusing on educating the elderly and their caregivers on health and nutrition issues. It adopts two approaches, one where the elderly come to the day-care center, set-up by the Order, and the other, a community visit, where members and volunteers together with nursing staff, visit the elderly. The goal is to address particular needs that arise with regards to health and nutrition, and at the same time provide emotional and spiritual support for the elderly.
The need is great, and we have recently received funding from The Global Fund for Forgotten People to help maintain our work with the elderly.
