Zhoushan invests $28m to improve elderly care service

Seniors exercise at the gym of an elderly care center in Dinghai district, Zhoushan, East China's Zhejiang province. [Photo/zj.zjol.com]

Zhoushan in East China's Zhejiang province invested a whopping total of 194 million yuan ($28 million) to improve its elderly care service system over the years from 2016 to 2018, local media reported on May 27.

The investment has been used mainly in building elderly care service agencies and facilities, as well as subsidizing said agencies and related caregivers. 

"The huge investment guarantees there’s enough funding in the elderly care sector and highlights the government's resolution in addressing one of the public's biggest concerns," said an official from the local civil affairs bureau.

The biggest part of the fund, nearly 101 million yuan, was used in building and improving elderly care agencies. Currently, such agencies in the city have a total of 10,737 beds. 

About 28.13 million yuan was used in subsidizing elderly care centers. Elderly care centers in Zhoushan were rated at different levels and received subsidies accordingly. The city now houses 176 such centers, including 16 four-star (highest level), 93 three-star and 66 two-star centers. 

Subsidies of around 20.46 million yuan went to the elderly with financial, physical or mental difficulties. 

This year, Zhoushan will invest another 30 million yuan in elderly care services, said the official from the local civil affairs bureau.