The Home-based Care programme is an effective and sustainable model for providing care at home for the most vulnerable, sick and frail older people.

Older People’s Associations manage home-based care through a committee of local volunteers. The most sick and frail older people living alone in the community are matched with a local community volunteer to provide domestic and medical assistance through weekly home visits.

Home-based care volunteers receive extensive training and ongoing coaching in communication, age- friendly care, nutrition, preventing injuries and hazards, and mental health awareness. Depending on the needs of the older person, home-based care activities can include cooking, cleaning, bathing, washing, grocery shopping, and accompanying to the local pagoda or health center.

The benefits to older women and men receiving care through the programme include improvements in psychosocial health, well-being and companionship.