Official Opening of the Armenian Red Cross Society's Gyumri Care Center
The official opening of the Armenian Red Cross Society’s (ARCS) 24-hour Care center in Gyumri took place recently. The event was attended by the Minister of Labor and Social Affairs of the Republic of Armenia, Mr. Arsen Torosyan, ambassadors of various countries with diplomatic missions in Armenia, the governors of Shirak and Lori regions, members of the National Assembly, and ARCS partners.
Since 2020, the Armenian Red Cross Society has taken over the management of the Gyumri State Nursing Home, based on a decision by the Government of Armenia. Initially, within the framework of the memorandum of understanding, the ARCS committed to investing approximately 270 million AMD. However, the organization has already invested over 600 million AMD solely for the acquisition of equipment, renovations, and furnishing of the facility.
In his speech, Minister Torosyan expressed his gratitude to the Armenian Red Cross Society for the effective collaboration, emphasizing the importance of the organization's partners.
“Today, we are celebrating an important event that symbolizes the government’s commitment to ensuring a dignified and fulfilling life for our senior citizens. This center, which has been modernized in recent years, is more than just a place of care. It is an expression of our respect and gratitude towards the older generation who have significantly contributed to the development of our state through their lives, work, and dedication.
This is also about our state setting and consistently implementing standards to improve the quality of life in care institutions. The government promotes the ideas of active and dignified aging. I am confident that this center will become a place where the elderly can share their experiences, learn new skills, and continue to actively participate in community life.”
ARCS President Davit Nersisyan also reflected on the work done in recent years, noting that all changes at the center aim to improve the well-being and safety of its residents.
“Taking into account the specific needs of elderly people and persons with disabilities, the Armenian Red Cross strives to ensure high-quality care in line with international standards. Since 2020, with the support of our partners the Swiss Red Cross, Austrian Red Cross, Austrian Development Agency, Italian Red Cross, Liechtenstein Red Cross, and the Embassy of Japan many renovation and improvement works have been carried out.
Three two story residential buildings, the kitchen, and corridors have been renovated. One floor of the administrative building is currently used for residents requiring bedridden care. The buildings have been equipped with purpose-specific furniture and equipment to ensure proper living and comfort conditions.
In addition, ongoing capacity-building programs for staff are implemented to improve the quality of provided services. Our vision is to create an environment where every elderly person can live a dignified, healthy, and active life, fully engaged in community and public life,” said ARCS President Davit Nersisyan.
At present, the center provides care for 160 residents. The services offered include accommodation, care, primary medical assistance, psycho-social support, and legal counseling. Residents are provided with food, clothing, household items, and personal hygiene products.
At the end of the event, a new Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs of the Republic of Armenia and the Armenian Red Cross Society on cooperation within the framework of social support for people displaced from Nagorno-Karabakh.
