Duc Tho Nursing Home covers an area of 1.5 hectares, located in Ward 2, Vinh Chau Town in Soc Trang province. It is spacious and well organized with areas for men, women, kitchens, healthcare and collective activities. The greenery makes the atmosphere appear fresh, cool and quiet.

Nguyen Trung Khanh, 60, head of the board of management of the nursing home, said in 2007 the home was built on land owned by Ngo Doan Thanh at the cost of VND4 billion, or 400 taels of gold at that time.

The home officially became operational after two years of construction. But just one year later, Thanh passed away, leaving a will that his son will inherit who will maintain the running of the home.

Thanh’s son, together with local people, still maintain the Duc Tho nursing home.

Since its operation, Duc Tho Nursing Home has provided care for more than 200 elderlies with different conditions and problems. Some of them lack health to be able to work. Others have children living in poverty or cannot take care of their parents. There are also men who have no relatives.

Khanh said there are now 20 people aged 60-90 at the nursing home. In the first days at the home, the people feel sad and have little contact with others. The volunteers there talk to them, turning the home into a place of compassion.

Luu Tien Thanh, 85, said he has been living there for 11 years. He said his wife passed away 15 years ago. He has two children, but one of them is dead and the other is poor.

“I am nearly blind and I don’t want to be a burden for my child, so I decided to live at Duc Tho home. I have been cared for very well and I am happy,” he said.

Two years ago, Son Thi Tai, 84, joined Duc Tho nursing home when she had no more relatives. 

The menus of the three daily meals are diverse to ensure a good appetite for the elderly. 

It is estimated that Duc Tho spends VND30 million a month to maintain its operations. The money is donated by volunteers, benefactors and the son of the founder.

Hoai Thanh