Trieu Van La, who is a war veteran, has been bedridden since suffering a stroke in 2017.
In a dilapidated stilt house nestled in Na Ban Hamlet, Duc Luong Commune, Thai Nguyen Province, an elderly couple, both ailing, sit back-to-back in silence, their tired eyes fixed on the door, waiting for their son Trieu Van Long to return from the hospital.
Trieu Van La, 67, has been bedridden since suffering a stroke in 2017. His wife, Dao Thi Ty, 71, has battled mental illness for over three decades and is now too weak to walk or care for herself.
Dao Thi Ty has battled mental illness for over three decades and is now too weak to walk or care for herself.
According to hamlet leader Le Thi Bach, Long had been living with his parents, serving as their only caregiver. However, he is now hospitalized in critical condition, leaving his brother-in-law and some neighbours to assist the elderly couple with daily needs.
“The family has been listed as a special hardship household for many years,” Bach said. “Now with Long in the hospital, their situation has become even more desperate.”
Long, 46, has long struggled with poor health and limited work opportunities. After divorcing a decade ago, he became the sole breadwinner for his elderly parents, earning modest wages from temporary jobs such as picking tea or gardening.
Trieu Van Long is being treated at the hospital.
Three years ago, he was diagnosed with a lung disease but delayed treatment due to financial constraints. His condition worsened earlier this year, leading to a severe case of pleural effusion and respiratory failure. Doctors say he will require extensive and prolonged treatment to recover.
Now lying motionless in a hospital bed, emaciated and barely able to breathe, Long’s eyes well with tears each time he speaks of his parents.
His sister has taken leave from work to care for him in the hospital, while her husband stays home to look after their child and the elderly couple.
The family's wooden stilt house was built nearly 10 years ago with support from the local government, veterans’ association, and neighbors. Over time, the structure has deteriorated, its roof leaks during rain and the termite-eaten walls offer little protection from the elements.
The family's wooden stilt house has badly deteriorated.
“We’re already old,” La said through tears. “We’ve lived long enough. I only wish Long could get the treatment he needs and come home soon. That’s all we hope for now.”
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