To address the unique physical characteristics and complex medical needs of elderly patients in inpatient care, in 2013 (Year 102 of the ROC calendar), under the visionary leadership and support of our former hospital president, Professor Bing-Wen Lin, Ward 7C was renovated into an Elder-Friendly Acute Care Ward.

The design of the ward incorporates three core principles: acute medical care, restoration of functional mobility, and maintenance of cognitive function, specifically tailored for patients from both the Geriatrics and Rehabilitation departments.

With strong support from the hospital and generous donations from the community, the renovation was completed, and the ward officially opened in February 2014 (Year 103 of the ROC calendar). It was named “Qi Yi Yuan”, where “Qi” symbolizes the elderly, “Yi” represents nurturing and care, and “Yuan” signifies completeness and harmony. The name draws inspiration from Confucian ideals: “Let the elderly live in peace” (老者安之) from The Analects, and “Allow the elderly to live out their lives with dignity” (老有所終) from the Rites of Great Unity (禮運大同篇), expressing the hope that all elders can age gracefully and with dignity.

This ward specializes in caring for elderly patients with complex medical needs and has now been in operation for over 20 years.

In terms of spatial and environmental planning, this ward is designed with great care and thoughtfulness, striving to become a world-leading age-friendly hospital ward. It features the following four key elements:

1. Barrier-Free Environment:
Examples include locally inspired signage on patient room doors, convenient rest benches along the corridors, in-room date and time displays, communication boards (referred to as “LOHAS boards”), and treatment room ceilings designed to resemble blue skies and moonlit nights. These elements help patients distinguish between day and night, creating a safe and cognitively supportive environment.

2. Nostalgic Memory Lane:
The corridors are designed with local cultural and historical elements to evoke memories of the past. This encourages patients to step out of their rooms and share cherished memories with their family members or caregivers.

3. Simple Exercise and Rehabilitation Area:
This area encourages elderly patients to get out of bed and move around as soon as their acute conditions stabilize, promoting better recovery of physical function.

4. Social Activity Area (Sunroom):
Designed as a homelike space, the sunroom offers a comfortable environment for social interaction. Volunteers provide warm companionship, therapeutic music, entertainment performances, and interactive activities to foster emotional connections between patients and their families, promoting mental and emotional well-being.