The General Office of the CPC Central Committee and General Office of the State Council have released an “Opinions” paper titled “Promoting the Construction of the Basic Elderly Care Service System.” The document outlines a target to establish a fundamentally sound elderly care system by the end of 2025, with a focus on continuous improvement in elderly care services. The system aims to provide clear and specific service targets, content, standards, and other mechanisms to guarantee care for all elderly people, involving both market and social security forces, as well as private families to share the burden of support and care.
Key Takeaways from the “Opinions” Paper
- Development and Implementation of Basic Elderly Care Services List
All regions and relevant departments are instructed to strictly implement the “National Basic Elderly Care Services List,” with dynamic adjustments based on local economic, financial, and social conditions. The Ministry of Civil Affairs and relevant departments will contribute to the revisions process before issuance. - Establishment of Precision Service Proactive Response Mechanism
Relying on the national integrated government service platform, the government will facilitate cross-department data sharing and establish a precise identification and dynamic management mechanism for elderly people in difficulties. This will gradually shift the approach from “finding services for people” to “finding people for services.” - Improvement of Basic Elderly Care Service Security Mechanism
The establishment of a long-term care security system that connects relevant insurance, welfare, and assistance is promoted. By combining government procurement of services with direct provision of services, priority will be given to ensuring the service needs of economically disadvantaged, disabled, elderly, and caregiver-less individuals. - Improvement of Supply Capacity of Basic Elderly Care Services
Local governments at or above the city level should include the construction of elderly care service facilities in relevant plans, forming a network of elderly care service facilities with a scientific structure, complete functions, and reasonable layout. By 2025, each county (city, district, or banner) will have at least one county-level special poverty alleviation service institution focusing on professional care for disabled and impoverished individuals. - Improvement of Accessibility and Convenience of Basic Elderly Care Services
Existing resources will be utilized and integrated to develop street (township) regional elderly care service centers or complexes. Social forces will provide daytime care, meal assistance, cleaning, rehabilitation care, and other services for the elderly.-Fineline Info & Tech
