Guideline addresses care for elderly

Ten central departments recently released a guideline on care for the elderly with financial problems or disabilities, to reduce the incidence of them experiencing risks at home and to improve their sense of happiness.

The guideline, released earlier this month by ministries including the Ministry of Civil Affairs, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, and the National Health Commission, said the nation will establish a sound mechanism for the visitation and care of the elderly with financial problems or disabilities by the end of 2023.

According to the guideline, the government will take the lead in the campaign and encourage social organizations or individuals to take part.

Government bodies will learn about the living conditions of the elderly through regular visits or phone calls and offer encouragement to their children or the people who help support them. Government bodies will help explain policies and will provide assistance when necessary.

The guideline said that all elderly people will be covered by the State-level campaign by the end of 2025, with their helpers, administrative officials, and social workers visiting them at least once a month.

Special attention will be given to the elderly with disabilities or movement limitations.

The government will fully respect the wishes of the elderly and their families in terms of the provision of visitations according to practical situations and an awareness of potential risks, it said.

Professional nursing homes are encouraged to get involved too, according to the guideline.

Nursing homes that bid and win government contracts can offer nursing services to the elderly with their expenses covered by the government.

The guideline said that a solid database on the elderly with financial problems or disabilities will be created, and it encouraged stakeholders to develop smart technologies to serve the elderly in different situations.

The guideline also requires service providers to improve their abilities in dealing with emergencies while visiting the elderly.

Earlier in August, some provinces and regions took measures to help the elderly who are childless or have financial problems or disabilities, to transform their homes to make their daily lives easier.

Shandong released an action plan in August, saying that a provincial-level campaign will be carried out until 2025 to help 130,000 elderly households and transform their homes to become more elderly-friendly.

These measures include installing special furniture items, lighting, and handrails, as well as smart devices to monitor health and movement.