Shanxi enhances community-based elderly care services

Shanxi province plans to establish 50 exemplary community elderly care projects and regional service centers this year, focusing on infrastructure, market development, and talent cultivation to enhance the quality and efficiency of community-based elderly care services.

Shanxi works to enhance the community-based elderly care services. [Photo/Shanxi Daily]

By the end of 2025, Shanxi had constructed 290 model community elderly care facilities and 150 township and sub-district service centers, upgraded 3,000 rural daytime care centers, and built 100 standardized community canteens.

The province will support professional institutions and property management companies in providing a range of services, including meal assistance, bathing assistance, and medical aid, enabling seniors to access professional care within their communities.

To boost market vitality, Shanxi will expand policy support by providing one-time construction grants, operational subsidies, bed subsidies, and loan interest discounts for elderly care institutions. Notably, the one-time construction grant will rise to 10,000 yuan ($1,463) per bed, encouraging private investment in elderly care services.

Community care workers organize group birthday celebration for seniors. [Photo/Shanxi Daily]

Shanxi also plans to strengthen talent development by recruiting 1,000 university graduates annually during the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-30) to serve in villages and communities, offering "concierge-style" services for the elderly.

The province will establish training bases at the provincial, municipal, and county levels to regularly conduct vocational training for elderly caregivers and senior capability assessors, addressing the shortage of skilled personnel in elderly care services.