A new profession: Rise of care management specialists for elderly

Editor's note: CGTN presents "New Trends," which explores new trends among Chinese people as well as their underlying causes, with focus on the impacts of China's reform and opening up, emphasizing the modernization strategies outlined by the Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China. This era of transformation, driven by new productive forces, is reshaping Chinese people's lifestyles and daily experiences, blending tradition with innovation to redefine how to live and work better.

In a bustling Beijing neighborhood, 46-year-old Lu Yajing is ready for her daily rounds. Seated on her electric scooter, she is about to visit a 78-year-old man battling chronic kidney disease and partial blindness. As a care management specialist, Lu's job is to ensure that seniors live comfortably and receive the best possible care in the familiar surroundings of their own homes.

Upon her arrival, Lu begins by checking the man's vital signs: blood pressure, blood sugar, and oxygen levels. But her work doesn't stop there. She carefully assesses the home environment for potential hazards and takes the time to inquire about the elderly man's health, offering insights into managing his condition. As part of her service, she arranges a foot care appointment, ensuring every need is met.

Lu, who had been a rural doctor for 19 years, entered the elderly care service industry in 2019. At that time, Beijing began pilot projects to establish a family care service system for the elderly, with Xicheng District creatively introducing the care management service model and cultivating the new profession of care management specialist.

Through rigorous training and certification, Lu became a senior care management specialist at an elderly care company in 2021. Beyond her medical background, she is also a certified health management expert, equipping her to meet the complex needs of the elderly. Most of the people she cares for are seniors suffering from severe disabilities or dementia, some over 90 years old.

One evening in December, Lu received an urgent phone call: a man she had been caring for had been running a fever for two days and had fallen due to weakness. Without hesitation, Lu sprang into action, contacting nearby staff for support as she rushed to his residence.

Upon arriving at the elderly man's home, she quickly measured his vital signs, gathered his medical documents, and dressed him for the hospital. At the hospital, Lu provided the doctor with detailed information about the man's medical history and medications, ensuring that everything was in order for his treatment. After a long night, she safely escorted the elderly man back home and gave the family instructions on how to properly administer his medication.

"Our children aren't nearby, and we truly depend on her. She's been helping us for three years now. When we have an emergency, she's always the first person we think of," the elderly man's wife said.

A growing demand for elderly care

The need for elderly services is steadily increasing in China. In 2023, the country recorded nearly 297 million people aged 60 or older, making up over 21 percent of the population. This demographic shift has driven a significant rise in demand for elderly care, particularly home-based services that allow seniors to remain in their familiar surroundings.

Lu Lanqi, the general manager of an elderly care company, is optimistic about the profession's future. "With the aging population and the increasing sophistication of healthcare, the demand for health monitoring, rehabilitation care, and other specialized services is growing rapidly," he said. "Care management specialists will play a key role in meeting these needs."

However, the profession still faces challenges. Despite the high demand, many families remain unfamiliar with the services care management specialists provide. Often, only those receiving government subsidies for severe disabilities or illnesses seek out these services. While fees are reasonable—ranging from 100 yuan (about $14) to 600 yuan per month, depending on the frequency of visits—many families hesitate to pay out of pocket due to a lack of awareness.

Despite these hurdles, the future of the career looks bright. "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 Lu's company, the team consists mostly of young professionals, aged under 40 years old. Wang Xiaohui, 24, is the youngest member of the team and has been working as a care management specialist for two years. She believes that attracting more talent to the sector is essential to meet the growing demand.

"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," said Wang.

As China continues to grapple with an aging population, the role of care management specialists has never been more crucial. Through a combination of medical expertise, compassion and personalized care, these professionals are helping the elderly not just survive but thrive.

Read more: 

A new profession in China is helping the elderly live at home for longer

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