In the bustling neighborhoods of Beijing, a new profession is emerging that’s transforming elderly care. Meet 46-year-old Lu Yajing, a care management specialist dedicated to ensuring seniors live comfortably in their own homes.
Every day, Lu navigates the city on her electric scooter to visit elderly clients like a 78-year-old man battling chronic kidney disease and partial blindness. Upon arrival, she checks his vital signs—blood pressure, blood sugar, and oxygen levels—assesses his home for potential hazards, and discusses his health with him, offering advice on managing his condition. She even arranges appointments for additional services like foot care.
Lu’s journey to this role began after 19 years as a rural doctor. In 2019, she joined Beijing’s pilot program aimed at establishing a family care service system for the elderly. Through rigorous training and certification, she became a senior care management specialist in 2021. Her medical expertise, combined with certification in health management, equips her to meet the complex needs of seniors, many of whom suffer from severe disabilities or dementia.
One evening, Lu received an urgent call: an elderly man she cared for had fallen ill with a fever and needed immediate assistance. Without hesitation, she coordinated support, rushed to his home, and ensured he received proper hospital care. “Our children aren’t nearby, and we truly depend on her,” said the man’s wife. “She’s been helping us for three years now. When we have an emergency, she’s always the first person we think of.”
Growing Demand for Elderly Care
China is experiencing a significant demographic shift. As of 2023, nearly 297 million people—over 21% of the population—are aged 60 or older. This aging population has increased the demand for elderly care, especially services that allow seniors to stay in their homes.
According to Lu Lanqi, general manager of an elderly care company, “With the aging population and the increasing sophistication of healthcare, the demand for health monitoring, rehabilitation care, and other specialized services is growing rapidly. Care management specialists will play a key role in meeting these needs.”
However, challenges remain. Many families are unaware of the services care management specialists offer, and only those receiving government subsidies often seek them out. Fees range from 100 yuan (about $14) to 600 yuan per month, but there is hesitation to pay due to a lack of awareness.
Despite these hurdles, the future looks promising. “As the demand for more specialized care grows, care management specialists will be increasingly recognized for their expertise and value. The market for this kind of service is only going to expand,” said Lu.
At her company, the team largely consists of young professionals under 40. Wang Xiaohui, 24, is the youngest care management specialist on the team. “We serve around 40 to 50 elderly people each. We’re committed to providing top-notch care, but if there were more specialists, each of us could devote more time to each individual,” she said.
As China continues to address the challenges of an aging population, care management specialists are proving essential. Through a combination of medical knowledge, compassion, and personalized attention, they are helping the elderly not just to live, but to thrive.
Reference(s):
A new profession: Rise of care management specialists for elderly
cgtn.com
