World Population Day: Respite care gives aging China a short break

World
Europe

As India tackles its population rise, in China, many are taking the time to focus on the nation's aging problem. Official figures show nearly 18 percent of China's population are 60 or older. And with that number rapidly growing, it puts great pressure on younger generations and on the nation's social welfare. But there may be some relief in store. CGTN's Rory Coen has more.

For years, Wang Changhe has been caring for her 93-year-old mother, who's wheelchair-bound due to a cerebral infarction, better known as a stroke. As the eldest child in the family, Changhe takes on most of the responsibilities. Despite her twenty-four-seven devotion to her mom, Wang says she needs a break.

WANG CHANGHE "It's very hard, especially since she lost mobility after her stroke. I had to move her around the house without any help. I also had to help her with rehab, that's very challenging and stressful."

However, she received a lifeline in April. Under a government pilot program, called Respite Care, a nurse has been coming to their home one day a week, allowing Changhe some precious time to herself. The nurse provides cooking, cleaning, massaging and other services, all of which are funded by the government.

WANG CHANGHE "It truly helps by giving me a short break every week, so I can deal with other urgent matters like going to the pharmacy and supermarket."

The program started in Beijing's Fengtai district last October, for families that care for disabled elders and those with dementia. They can get free nursing service four times a month. So far, 614 households in this district enjoy the benefits. The local government says it is pleased with the program's success and is now looking to advance it further.

CAI JIE FENGTAI DISTRICT OFFICE FOR THE AGED, BEIJING "Our next step is to support market forces in the elder care industry through subsidies and policies. We'll include respite care in our comprehensive elder care service system."

As China ages, the government is trying intently to ease the burden. In fact, respite programs are not new, as many other countries use them to help the disabled and other special groups. China is currently testing the pilot program in Beijing, Guangzhou and other cities. Local officials say it's expected to be rolled out nationwide in the future.

Rory Coen, CGTN.