The beginning o f t h e p r o j e c t

 

The population of elderly

 

in Thailand is fast increasing. It would be a grave mistake to ignore the needs of the elderly. Recent statistics released by the Mental Health Department show that risk of suicide is no longer highest among young people, but is now highest among the elderly. Accordingly, the highest suicide rate is among the 70-74 age group, followed by those between 80-84 years old. No longer is suicide highest among the 20-29 age group.

Depression has always been among the major causes of suicide for the

elderly. Studies show that it is their utter hopelessness and loneliness - due to lack of support from relatives and access to welfare - that gives them little reason to live, particularly when they are suffering from illnesses. Some are afraid of being a burden to their families after retirement. The frenetic work culture and crowded living conditions in the city means that many families can’t afford to have their

elderly live with them. As independent life becomes more difficult for the old folks, families have difficulty in finding properly run care centres for them.

These suicide statistics should prompt policy-makers to start planning for

better welfare support for the elderly.

From 1995 to 2010, the number of elderly over 75 years old increased from

948.000 to 1.588.000, those over 60 years increased from 4.816.000 to 7.639.000.

The numbers are projected to increase over the next 20 years.

As Thai society becomes more urban, this ageing trend occurs with much

weaker traditional support for the elderly. The low national birth rate also means that many of the elderly will have no one to take care of them in their golden years. With society rapidly changing,

 

Maintain the quality of life for the elderly

would be a great challenge for health care providers.

Healthcare, outreach services and accommodation for the elderly in

need must be improved.

 

Old people i n t h e t h a i m o d e r n s o c i e t y

The home for the aged Ratchasima is going to be built in three stages.

The first stage starts in January 2013 (first foundation stone ceremony). At the end of 2014 the home will be able to accommodate a first group of 50 people, and activities will start.

The two-storey buildings comprise a total of 11.000 sqm, cost of

80 million Baht. The cost of infrastructure amounts to 30 million Baht which includes: wall perimeter, roads, water treatment, water tanks, electrical system, telephone system, furniture and vehicles.

The diocese of Korat and the St. Camillus Foundation of Thailand are contributing 20 million Baht in 2012 and 20 million Baht in 2013.    Total will be 40 million Baht. We still need to raise 70 million Baht in three years time.

The fund raising campaign starts in March 2012 and will continue until the end of the construction.

The new house will mostly be managed through donations to

support the expenses of the poor and abandoned. These donations

are most welcome. The elderly and their relatives will also make

reasonable small contributions.

 

City and diocese of Nakorn Rachasima ( K o r a t )

The city of Korat is the gate-way to the north-east of Thailand. It is the 3rd biggest city after Bangkok and Chiang Mai, and is 260 km from Bangkok.

It has a population of 450.000 people. The province of Korat, however, has nearly to 2,5 million people.

Korat is an important center of the poorest area of the Thailand called E-SAAN.

The diocese of Korat also includes the provinces of Chiayapun and Buriram with a total of 5 million persons. The catholic community, even if small with 6,331 catholics, is very active and dynamic.