The Chinese System of Community Care for Older Adults

Abstract

China is increasingly turning to community care (CC) to fill the growing gap between the care needs of older adults and availability of that care. The specific application of this concept in China takes two forms: state cash-for-care programs and a market-oriented operational approach. State cash-for-care programs offer cash payments or vouchers, and older adults have a statutory entitlement to apply for the relief of CC charges. The market-oriented operational model comprises urban community care service “supermarkets,” where older adults can buy services according to their needs. Even with these two programs, CC still has many shortcomings. Deficits include lack of national standards for individual services and personnel development, and absence of an independent department or systems to oversee supervision and quality assessment. This policy brief offers key recommendations for government investment through supportive social policies and improvements to the quantity and quality of the care workforce. [ Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 48 (6), 7–11.]