The Golden Reception and Action Center for the Elderly and Other Special Cases (GRACES) is one of the long-standing institutions in the Philippines, offering shelter and care for elderly Filipinos who are abandoned, neglected, or homeless.
Managed by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in the National Capital Region, GRACES provides comprehensive services to its residents, including medical, psychological, and social support.
The Importance of Elderly Care in the Philippines
Many Filipino families take care of their elderly at home.
This approach is deeply rooted in the Filipino culture, where family bonds are strong, and caring for elderly relatives is seen as a responsibility and a way to honor them.
Unlike in many Western countries where elderly care often involves professional caregivers and nursing homes, Filipino families prefer to keep their elders at home, making sure they are surrounded by loved ones.
However, some older people have no family and need a safe place to stay.
According to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), the number of senior citizens in the Philippines reached approximately 9 million in 2020 and is expected to rise further in the coming years.
This increasing elderly population means more people need care, especially those without families to look after them.
GRACES is one such place that offers care and support to these elderly individuals.
What is GRACES?
GRACES stands for Golden Reception and Action Center for the Elderly and Other Special Cases.
It used to be called Golden Acres Home for the Aged.
GRACES provides temporary shelter and services to elderly Filipinos who are poor, abandoned, or homeless.
It is run by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in the National Capital Region (NCR), with help from various organizations.
Vision, Mission, and Goals
Vision
GRACES aims to offer complete care services that meet the needs of its residents, who are elderly and without family.
Mission
The mission of GRACES is to provide protective and rehabilitative programs and services for the elderly.
Goals
GRACES strives to:
- Assess the needs of new residents.
- Provide temporary or long-term shelter.
- Offer services for physical, emotional, social, medical, and psychological needs.
- Help reunite residents with their families or transfer them to other care facilities.
- Connect residents to additional support from government and non-government agencies.
Who Can Stay at GRACES?
GRACES helps senior citizens aged 60 and above who have been abandoned, neglected, or have no family.
They come to GRACES through walk-ins, outreach programs, or referrals from local government units (LGUs).
Required Documents for Admission
To admit a resident, the following documents are needed:
- Referral Letter
- Social Case Study Report
- Medical Certificate with Laboratory Results
- Psychological Report
- Updated Whole Body Pictures
- Dental Records (if any)
- Birth Certificate, Residence Certificate, Government IDs
- Other documents to verify identity
Programs and Services at GRACES
GRACES provides many services to its residents, including:
Social Services
GRACES offers social services to help residents adjust to their new environment. These services include counseling, group activities, and social interactions that help build a sense of community among the elderly.
Medical Services
Medical care is a priority at GRACES. Residents receive regular health check-ups, medication management, and access to medical professionals for any health concerns. Emergency medical care is also available.
Psychological Services
Psychological support is essential for the mental well-being of the residents. GRACES provides therapy and counseling to help residents cope with any emotional or psychological issues, making it a point that they feel supported and understood.
Home Life Services
Home life services allow residents to have a comfortable and home-like environment. This includes assistance with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and grooming, as well as maintaining a clean and safe living space.
Dietary Services
Proper nutrition is essential for the health of the elderly. GRACES offers dietary services that include meal planning and preparation to meet the specific nutritional needs of each resident. Special diets and meals are provided based on medical requirements.
Productivity Services
To keep residents engaged and active, GRACES offers productivity services. These include various activities such as gardening, arts and crafts, and other income-generating projects that enhance cognitive and physical skills.
Administrative Services
Administrative services support the smooth operation of the facility. This includes handling admissions, maintaining records, coordinating with other organizations, and promoting compliance with regulatory requirements.
Security Services
The safety of residents is a top priority. GRACES provides security services to protect residents from any harm or danger. This includes round-the-clock security personnel and surveillance systems to provide a secure environment.
Activities and Support
Residents can join leisure activities like games and exercises, and attend prayer meetings to practice their faith.
Psycho-social support is given based on each resident’s needs.
Productivity Activities
Residents can also participate in activities like gardening, arts and crafts, rug-making, and plant propagation to keep them active and engaged.
Temporary Care and Family Tracing
Residents stay at GRACES for at least six months and up to one year.
During this time, social workers try to find and reconnect them with their families.
If families cannot be found, residents may stay longer or be moved to other long-term care facilities.
Contact Information – DSWD NCR – GRACES
You can contact GRACES through the details below:
Address: Golden Acres Rd, Bago Bantay, Quezon City, 1100 Metro Manila
Telephone: 0932 342 2654
Email: graces.foncr@dswd.gov.ph
Website: GRACES DSWD NCR
Facebook: GRACES on Facebook
Google Maps Location
Video: Giving Aid to the Home for the Aged: DSWD’s GRACES
The Other Wise Men Empowering Volunteers, Inc. generously donated Nutribuns to the elderly at the Home for the Aged in DSWD’s GRACES on October 2, 2020. They also communicated ongoing support for urgent needs like adult diapers and laundry detergent during the pandemic.
Conclusion
If you know any elderly people who are homeless or abandoned, contact your local City or Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (C/MSWDO).
They can help these individuals get admitted to facilities like GRACES, where they will receive the care they need.
The DSWD also has other programs for the elderly, such as the Social Pension for Indigent Senior Citizens (SPISC) and Home Care Support Services for Senior Citizens (HCSSSC).