Current Spatial Distribution of Elderly Care Services Facilities in Ho Chi Minh City: A Cartographic Analysis of Nursing Homes and Geriatric Hospitals

This study analyzes the spatial distribution of nursing homes and geriatric hospitals in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), two fundamental infrastructures for adapting to population aging. The study uses a spatial descriptive design based on secondary data, including the elderly population by administrative unit and the locations of geriatric hospitals and nursing homes (both public and private) within the city. This study adopts a spatial approach using a base map system combined with population data and location data from 312 wards/communes to visually describe, analyze, and compare the distribution of both private and public care facilities (including hospitals with geriatric departments, nursing homes, and social protection centers) across all 22 districts and sub-cities of Ho Chi Minh City.The research findings show a significant disparity in spatial distribution: geriatric hospitals are mainly concentrated in central districts, however the majority of nursing homes are located in suburban areas, a pattern that affects the efficiency of elderly care service provision. The study provides a basis for strategic planning of future elderly care infrastructure, while also suggesting essential infrastructure elements within geriatric services—an urgent need in the context of Ho Chi Minh City’s rapidly aging population.