Caring for the Elderly

Posted on 13 July 2010.

More than 12 percent of China's 1.3 billion people are now over the age of 60 and, as a result of China's one child policy, the percentage will continue to grow.

Traditionally older people are cared for by their children - in one survey 97 percent of the elderly questioned gave this as their preference. However, the changing lifestyles of young people and the fact that a growing proportion of elderly needs to be supported by a shrinking working population means that for more and more people being cared for at home is no longer a viable option.

New retirement homes are being opened all across China, but there is still a large shortfall of places in licensed homes. The city of Harbin (in northern Heilongjiang province), for example, has 1.1 million citizens over the age of 60. Of those, 60,000 are in need of care centre services. However, the city's licensed facilities only provide beds for 11,000. Experts say that apart from those severely in need of full-time care, only elderly people with good connections stand a chance of getting a bed.

The Chinese authorities have expressed concern at the surge in unlicensed retirement homes that usually offer no medical assistance and can be potential fire-traps. One such home was described in the China Daily as "cold, dark and dank. The windows are smudged with dirt and mould creeps along the ceiling. All three rooms have been turned into dormitories for residents, while every floor is strewn with dirty bed sheets and clothes."

Government policies on care services for the elderly are still vague and the model on which to base the system remains subject to debate. There has been some discussion of providing a form of sheltered accommodation where elderly people live in their own homes but can call for help in event of an emergency.

Elderly care is an area where Christians are increasingly stepping into the gap. One of our co-workers has been involved in giving advice and support to local believers who have set up an effective day care centre and are now starting a home care service. She shares: "The home care service we have been working on has now been launched and is in full swing. Much of what we are doing is rehab with stroke and dementia patients, trying to get them to do as much as they can independently in their daily lives to build their self esteem and allow them to maintain some kind of active role in the family. The general Chinese mindset is to send sick people to bed and wait on them hand and foot, putting tremendous pressure on the family. Often the idea of rehab that is designed to encourage weak people to do things for themselves can be perceived as cruel. Due to this, despite lots of training and clear care plans, the carers can be a little hesitant to fulfil the whole care plan. Please pray that, as they see the good results of the rehab they are carrying out, they would gain more confidence and understanding of the process."

Pray that the authorities will play their part in facilitating good quality care for those elderly people who are unable to stay in their homes or be cared for by their family.

Pray that unlicensed care homes where residents are neglected or endangered would be closed down.

Pray that more Christians would be willing to step into this area of need and provide loving care for those who can no longer look after themselves.

Pray for the project in which our co-worker has been involved. Pray that the carers would gain confidence and understanding and that the lives of the patients would be greatly improved. May this project be a very positive example to others of what can be done to help the elderly.