Chongqing's Push for Quality Elderly Care: Landmark Motion Expands Community-Based Services | Duty in Action

Chongqing - Zhong Juan, a deputy to the Chongqing Municipal People’s Congress and senior agronomist at Zhujia Town Industrial Development Service Center, praised the efficient handling of her motion to advance high-quality community-based home care services. Her initiative has helped achieve near-complete coverage of elderly care services in the city.

Chongqing, one of China's fastest-aging cities, reported that by the end of 2023, over 7.8 million residents were aged 60 and above, accounting for 22.9% of the registered population.

Zhong explained that elderly care in the city primarily follows three models: home-based care, community-based care, and institutional care. More than 70% of elderly residents in Chongqing rely on home-based care, often leaving family members struggling to balance work and caregiving responsibilities.

Zhong Juan, a deputy to the Chongqing Municipal People’s Congress and senior agronomist at the Zhujia Town Industrial Development Service Center in Dianjiang County. (Photo/He Saige)

"So the community-based home care model for the elderly tightly integrates family, community, and elderly care institutions, offering seniors a more convenient, comfortable, and personalized living environment," said Zhong.

During her research, Zhong identified several shortcomings in the community-based elderly care services in Chongqing. For example, many community care stations lack adequate facilities and trained professionals, limiting their ability to provide services beyond basic caregiving. 

The available services are also limited, with inadequate support for in-home care, daily assistance, and healthcare. High service fees discourage many elderly residents from using these programs, while poor interdepartmental coordination hinders service delivery efficiency.

In response, Zhong developed several measures to enhance these services, including stronger interdepartmental collaboration to establish a coordinated governance framework. She also suggested increased investment in infrastructure, developing a skilled elderly care workforce, supporting service providers, and implementing innovative, personalized care solutions.

In line with the "one center per town, one station per village" framework, Chongqing has established 963 township-level elderly care centers, 2,912 urban community care stations, and 8,000 rural mutual-aid points, achieving full coverage of community-based home care services.

Additionally, Chongqing has encouraged private enterprises to manage community facilities under public-private partnerships. The city has attracted 18 major private elderly care enterprises, with over 90% of urban community facilities now operated under this socialized model.

Looking ahead, Chongqing plans to fast-track legislation for elderly care services and refine its reform efforts. The city aims to create a comprehensive care system integrating home, community, and institutional services with medical and wellness support. By establishing a 15-minute elderly care service circle, Chongqing seeks to enable seniors to age comfortably in familiar environments supported by family and community.

"I hope relevant departments will continue to optimize service delivery to better meet the needs of the elderly," Zhong said. "I remain dedicated to my responsibilities and will contribute to improving public welfare for the benefit of all."