Fusing technology with long-term care, the Hsinchu City Government installed "Video Chat Anywhere" in "Small Long-term Care Stores" and the homes of seniors who live alone to provide a more comprehensive care.  Central Government Executive Yuan Premier Lin Chuan and Hsinchu City Mayor Lin Chih-chien visited Gangbei Community long-term care store to announce the opening of the store, and experienced the pioneer video chat service. The City Government wishes to increase the interaction between the young and the old through this innovative "warm technology".
 
"My grandson will be taking university entrance exam, is he working hard?" 82 year-old Mr. Zheng, accompanied by Premier Lin and Mayor Lin, video chatted with his second son concerning the condition of his grandson; 84 year-old Ms. Zheng also had a video chat with her granddaughter and great grandson. In order to provide a more comprehensive care for the elderly, Hsinchu City Government introduced the first ever video chatting service, installing "Video Chat Anywhere" in 5 small long-term care stores and the homes of 45 seniors who live alone; they can simply press a TV controller button to video chat with families living far away. Besides, helpers with volunteer background will also call the seniors weekly regarding their conditions.

Hsinchu City is running a trial for long-term care 2.0 setting up "1A-2B-5C" stations, including one long-term flagship store, two medium stores and 5 small stores; in addition, the City Government has also setup 32 caring stations, and 7 inter-dining cafeterias.
 
Mayor Lin pointed out, inter-dining cafeteria provides 3 to 5 meals weekly, and the ingredients come from the donations made by local agriculture industry and communities; moreover, many volunteers also actively participated in the caring services, allowing the seniors to go outdoors more willingly.
Premier Lin pointed out, Taiwan's society structure is changing, many seniors' children are working in urban areas, unlike the agrarian society in the past that families stayed and worked together in a big household; therefore, the City Government introduced long-term care to setup comprehensive caring system, allowing every senior to have a good lifestyle.

Premier Lin, Mayor Lin, government officials, City Councilors, neighborhood chiefs, company directors, and many other also attended the opening ceremony.
 
Mayor Lin stated apart from implementing long-term care services, the City Government has been actively trying to obtain a "5 Plus 1" major constructions subsidy from the Central Government Executive Yuan; the "5 Plus 1" major constructions includes "Large Train Station", "Great Hsinchu Light Rail Network", "Hsinchu City Baseball Stadium Demolishment and Reconstruction", "International Exhibition Center and Hakka Hall" and "Hsinchu City Fisherman's Port" in addition to "Wu Yang Elevated Freeway Extension"; the Mayor wishes to receive more support from the Central Government. Premier Lin responded he would fully support anything that will benefit Hsinchu City, fulfilling local needs.

Translated by: Kuo Ting-Hsiang