Answering a call to care

Sonam Tseten came to work at the Chengguan facility in 2018 after her father's death. She gradually developed close ties with the aged residents who have become like family members today.

"The elderly are very dependent on me and some even act in a spoiled way toward me. I'm often moved by their sweet words," she says.

Tseten Lhamo, 24, a staff member, says seven residents are incapable of looking after themselves but they are taken good care of by the nurses.

The elderly can also seek medical advice from a doctor there for simple diseases and get prescriptions, such as for high blood pressure and arthritis. There are four vacant rooms ready just in case some residents' health deteriorates, so that the nursing staff can look after them 24 hours a day. They would be sent to a hospital if necessary, she says.

When a resident passes away, the facility invites Tibetan monks to hold religious rituals, based on the wishes of the dead.

When the director, Sonam Tseten, first heard about the death of a resident, she rushed to the facility at 3 am to arrange a funeral procession.

"Other residents will feel a sense of security when they see what we've done for those who are in their last days," she adds.