The National Chung Cheng University (CCU) University Social Responsibility (USR) Project, “Collaborative Creation for Happiness of Older Persons: An Interdisciplinary Project to Realize Elderly Rights,” had long been deeply rooted in the Chiayi community, promoting elder care and community learning centered on human rights. Recently, the project’s long-term partner, the Dalin Tzu Chi Hospital Dementia Center, was commissioned by the Chiayi County Government to collaborate with Dr. Chin-Huang Chen and his team at Shiyuan in Xingang to establish the county’s first responsibility-based dementia care center—“Memory Companion.” This milestone marked a new chapter in community-based dementia care. The CCU USR team was honored to be invited to the unveiling ceremony, joining partners in witnessing this new beginning for localized elder care.
The inauguration ceremony was presided over by Chiayi County Magistrate Chang-Liang Weng, with attendees including the Director of the Chiayi County Health Bureau, the Mayor of Xingang Township, Chiayi County Council members, Ze-Min Jiang, Chairperson of the Fuyuan Association, and Dr. Wen-Long Tsao, Director of the Dalin Tzu Chi Hospital Dementia Center, along with his medical team and Professor Hui-Ling Shih from National Chung Cheng University.
At the time of the unveiling, Chiayi County had a total of 29 dementia care centers. However, “Memory Companion” was the only one located within a community, while others were primarily hospital-based. This innovative model broke through the traditional boundaries of medical institutions, bringing physicians and professional teams directly into the community, thereby strengthening the connection between healthcare and daily life. Compared to hospital-based centers, community-based centers offered greater accessibility, higher participation, and stronger family engagement. Although challenges remained in terms of medical equipment and immediate clinical support, this model fostered interdisciplinary collaboration and community-based learning.
In his address, Magistrate Weng highlighted that the Ministry of Health and Welfare’s “Dementia-Friendly 777” policy aimed to achieve by 2025: — Over 70% of dementia patients receiving diagnosis and services, — Over 70% of family caregivers receiving training and support, and — Over 70% of the public having a correct understanding and friendly attitude toward dementia.
Through strong collaboration between the county government and local communities, Chiayi County had already surpassed these goals as early as 2022, achieving the “888 Friendly Vision,” which exemplified the county’s leadership in integrated local action and implementation.
Dr. Wen-Long Tsao, the driving force behind “Memory Companion,” remarked that establishing a dementia care center within the community presented many challenges. However, with the active participation of volunteers and local organizations, the center had become more than just a care facility; it had evolved into a “shared classroom.” Here, physicians, families, elders, and volunteers learned and grew together, turning dementia care into a vibrant part of community culture.
The CCU USR team stated that it would continue to promote the concept of social prescribing through interdisciplinary collaboration and action research, deepening its practice in community settings. The founding of “Memory Companion” provided a valuable opportunity for mutual learning and cooperation toward building an age-friendly and human rights-based society.