On October 21, the Ministry of Civil Affairs held a press conference titled “Civil Affairs in the Last Five Years.” During this event, Deputy Director Li Yongxin from the Department of Elderly Care Services emphasized that the next steps will involve guiding local governments to actively implement the “Guidance on Accelerating the Development of Rural Elderly Care Services,” which was jointly issued by the Ministry and 22 other departments in May of this year. The goal is to ensure that elderly individuals in rural areas can conveniently access professional elderly care services without having to leave their villages.
A reporter asked during the conference: What initiatives has the Ministry of Civil Affairs undertaken in rural elderly care services in recent years? What plans are in place for advancing these services in the future?
Li Yongxin responded that the Ministry, in collaboration with relevant departments, has been continuously refining policy frameworks and promoting the construction of rural elderly care service systems, which has yielded positive results.
Firstly, they have reinforced the foundational aspects of rural elderly care services. This includes the promotion of a “Party Building + Rural Elderly Care Service” model, leveraging village-level Party organizations to implement government resources dedicated to rural elderly care. By utilizing local Party platforms, party members and officials are encouraged to engage in elderly care initiatives, thereby fostering motivation among village collectives and residents to develop these services. This approach supports the establishment of a sustainable village-level mutual assistance model for elderly care, backed by government guidance, village organization, mutual support among the elderly, and broad social backing.
Secondly, the Ministry is enhancing the construction of a rural elderly care service network. They are adopting a systematic approach by focusing on both ends of the service spectrum while strengthening the middle. The experience gained from county-level “1+N” care service alliances for the most vulnerable populations is being summarized and promoted to enhance the capabilities of county-level institutions in providing care for the elderly. Additionally, there is an initiative to expand the functions of township elderly homes, transitioning them into comprehensive regional elderly care centers that offer around-the-clock care, daytime assistance, home services, regional coordination, and service referrals. The Ministry is also encouraging the development of mutual assistance elderly care services at the village level.
Thirdly, they are intensifying support for rural elderly care services. The development of these services will be integrated into broader economic and social development plans. It is required that local governments above the county level allocate operational funds for rural care facilities (e.g., elderly homes) and resources for providing assistance to the elderly in their budget plans. The Ministry is actively cultivating market players that are rooted in rural areas and close to the community, advocating for professional, chain-operated rural elderly care services. There is also an emphasis on the comprehensive utilization of idle public service facilities in rural areas, prioritizing their transformation into elderly care centers, senior dining halls, village neighbor assistance points, and other facilities for elderly care.
Looking forward, Li Yongxin highlighted three key areas of focus for the Ministry.
First, policy implementation will be prioritized. They plan to guide local governments in the thorough execution of the May guidance from the Ministry and 22 other departments, ensuring infrastructure, service supply, and quality safety measures are in place so that elderly residents can easily access professional services without leaving their villages.
Second, the Ministry will concentrate on pilot demonstrations. An additional 300 million yuan from the central government will be allocated to support 59 pilot regions to innovate in county-level elderly care systems. The Ministry will work closely with the Ministry of Finance to provide ongoing management and guidance throughout this process, exploring effective models for rural elderly care service development.
Third, they aim to promote valuable experiences. The Ministry will partner with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs and the National Development and Reform Commission to select exemplary cases of rural elderly care services, summarizing and sharing successful, replicable practices.
