The tragic case of an elderly man, who turned himself into the police after he ended his ailing wife's life out of mercy, has recently brought attention to the public regarding the need of providing a better care system for the senior citizens. With many of them living on their own, the Department of Health said they will enhance their communications with local authorities to improve the reporting system, so that they are not left out in the cold.

These beautiful oil paintings and handicraft flowers were made by Mrs. Huang, who lives alone.

Her husband passed away more than a decade away and her daughter lives in the United States.

Mrs. Huang spends her time learning new skills to keep herself busy.

According to the social bureau of Taipei City, there are about 4,000 people like Mrs. Huang, who lives alone.

Although the government's plan to push forward "long-term care administration" is not implemented yet, the long-term care plan has been operating for many years.

There's also a government-sponsored program that provides help to caretakers.

Anyone who's over the age of 65 and meets the criteria can apply for the program.

However, since the budget allocated for these policies is limited, it makes it difficult to be implemented.

Still, Department of Health stressed that it will enhance the effort on building a notification system and creating a platform for better communications with local health bureau and village or borough chiefs.

These local chiefs should notify the authorities when discovering living-alone elders or elders with disabilities.

These efforts are to minimize chances of similar tragedies from happening again.

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