Transforming living spaces for better elderly care
Jan 25, 2024
23:22
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Josh Cotterill, an expert in innovative home renovations across China, discusses how China is reshaping the living spaces of its senior citizens. Topics include personalized plans and subsidies for elderly individuals, in-house care services and home renovations, mental health and the role of care services, and innovative approaches to elderly care such as smart home systems and robotics.
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Quick takeaways
China is implementing initiatives to transform 2 million households by 2025, providing convenient indoor mobility, safe toileting and bathing, and assistive devices for the elderly.
Shanghai has completed home renovations for 7,715 households and provided renovation services for 21,000 elderly households, while also introducing in-house care services subsidized by third-party organizations and part of the government's long-term care insurance program.
Deep dives
Growing Demand for Home-Based Elderly Care in China
China is experiencing a profound demographic shift with a rapidly aging population. Recognizing that most seniors prefer to spend their golden years at home, the government has launched initiatives to enhance living spaces for the elderly. The 14th five-year plan aims to adapt and transform 2 million households by 2025, providing convenient indoor mobility, safe toileting and bathing, and assistive devices. The introduction of guidelines and a national standard further supports home care services. The government has already renovated 1.48 million households for financially challenged older residents. Addressing the needs of the elderly is a priority for China's high-quality development.
China's Approach to Elderly Care: Shanghai as a Model
Shanghai, a city with a large aging population, is at the forefront of piloting home renovation projects. The municipal government has implemented personalized renovation plans based on individual needs, allocating a maximum subsidy of 3,000 yuan ($420) per household. So far, Shanghai has completed home renovations for 7,715 households and provided renovation services for 21,000 elderly households across the city. In addition, in-house care services have been introduced, providing door-to-door services ranging from 13 hours a month to 24-hour care. These services are subsidized by third-party organizations and are part of the government's long-term care insurance program.
Adapting Living Spaces for Elderly Living and Care
In addition to home renovations, Chinese cities have implemented various measures to enhance elderly living spaces. This includes installing alarm systems connected to communities for emergency response, upgrading public spaces to be barrier-free, and offering integrated elderly care solutions. Handrails, assistive facilities, and devices, such as stair climbers and shower chairs, are recommended to ensure mobility and safety. Recognizing the importance of social interaction, in-home care services also focus on providing companionship and mental health support. Japan offers examples of innovative approaches, such as smart homes, robotics, and universal design concepts, that can serve as inspirations for China's aging population.
From Shanghai's cutting-edge in-house care services to innovative home renovations across the country, we're set to explore how China is reshaping the living spaces of its senior citizens. How will the city create a sustainable and inclusive future, in the hope of ensuring that every senior citizen can age with dignity and independence? On the show: Heyang, Xingyu & Josh Cotterill
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