China to further improve quality of eldercare

The State Council released a guideline on providing more quality public services for senior citizens, as a way to deal with an aging society.

The guideline is aimed at encouraging more social forces to get involved in elderly care industries, providing targeted services for major vulnerable groups while allocating more public resources to older people in rural areas.

According to the plan, minimum living allowance and other social assistance should be available for all registered poor senior citizens, especially those who are disabled or who are in financial hardship.

Hospitals and elderly care institutions were asked to enhance cooperation and services, and more efforts should be made to build rehabilitation hospitals, nursing homes and palliative care institutions.

As an integral part of elderly care, families and communities are asked to do their part. Community elderly care centers will receive more government funding.

People over the age of 80 can re-register their hukou where their offspring are registered.

Age-friendly facilities and communities will be encouraged in cities.

The plan also required establishing a pilot system for long-term nursing insurance to secure basic living rights for disabled people. And those living in poverty are also entitled to legal assistance service when their legal rights are being violated. The coverage of legal assistance for older people will be expanded.

Vocational schools and training institutes will provide more nursing care classes. Education and culture for the elderly population will also be developed.

Senior citizens will be encouraged to get more involved in public activities.

In addition, to ensure smooth implementation of the plan, related departments are urged to strengthen their leadership roles, establish an efficient working mechanism while enhancing supervision.