Changhua County launches door‑knocking program to check on elderly living alone

The Changhua County government has begun a two‑year, carpet‑style survey called “Knock on the Door, Let Love In” to locate and support seniors who live alone. Starting in August, 720 volunteers will visit the roughly 5,200 households that have a single occupant aged 65 or older, aiming to identify the 3,788 officially listed solitary elders and many others who are not yet on the registry.

The effort involves coordination among 26 township offices, 10 social‑welfare organisations and 129 community‑care points, with police and civil‑affairs officials joining to provide anti‑fraud guidance. Staff will follow a “2 meetings, 3 no’s” protocol – wearing identification, showing official documents, and refusing to collect personal banking details – to reassure seniors. Services offered include in‑person visits, telephone check‑ins, meal delivery and emergency rescue, building a more comprehensive local safety net for the county’s rapidly aging population (over 250,000 residents aged 65+, 20.84% of the total).