The Home-based Care program 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 sickest 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 the local pagoda or health center.

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