Changsha county improves elderly care services

About 16,000 residents aged 80 or older are benefitting from the new old age allowance policy Changsha county adopted, according to the county's Bureau of Civil Affairs.

Changsha county raised its old age allowance — one of the highest in the nation according to Circular of the General Office of the People's Government of Changsha on the Adjustment of the Old Age Allowance System, a policy document published by Changsha city in January.

According to the new policy, 100 yuan ($15.12) per month will now be granted to people aged 80-89, 200 yuan per month will be granted to those aged 90-99, and 500 yuan per month will be granted to centenarians. 

The allowance has been issued directly in accordance with the new adjusted criteria starting January 1, 2018.

The Changsha county government also currently provides pensions and nutritional allowances to residents over 80 years old.

Another elderly care project, with a special fund of 2 million yuan per year, has also been carried out across the city of Changsha, aiming to create a safe and comfortable home for the elderly.

The project includes replacing slippery floors, installing handrails, and equipping rooms with barrier-free facilities, aiming to eliminate potential safety risks in houses occupied by the elderly.

Both the old age allowance and the house renovation project accept voluntary applications. Requests from eligible senior citizens will be approved after they submit applications to the relevant communities.