Answering a call to care

The facility holds celebrations during both Tibetan and Lunar new year with live entertainment such as guozhuang, a Tibetan dance and activities like making dumplings.

She says the welfare institution has a well-chosen location-the surroundings are peaceful. It's convenient for the elderly to pray to Buddha at the nearby White Pagoda. The elderly live in single rooms, except couples. "They can press a panic button in their own rooms or toilets in case of emergency."

The place is well-functioning, with showers, a laundry room, a barber's and medical and daycare services. The canteen prepares nutritionally balanced diet for them, with a combination of meat and vegetables, coarse and fine grains. Nursing staff send meals to those who fall ill or have trouble walking.

Sonam Tseten says occupancy is not full-only 48 beds out of 112 are taken, because some elderly people prefer to stay in their own homes and have other choices as well. Like other cities, Lhasa has established many community centers for the aged, with various social activities and daycare and door-to-door services for those in need.

The welfare institution holds promotional events in communities and invites the city's social workers for visits to encourage eligible individuals to live there. She says the aged get free medical treatment at the three hospitals that are paired with the facility.

Xizang has fully covered both urban and rural residents with medical insurance.