Chongqing launches pioneering elderly care program

Southwest China's Chongqing has seen a successful inaugural year for the nation's first government-funded elderly care service project, a groundbreaking initiative designed to meet the increasing demand for skilled elderly care professionals.

The project, led by the Chongqing Civil Affairs Bureau and coordinated by Chongqing City Management College, offered waived tuition and guaranteed employment as incentives for enrollment.

"This is a crucial step in directing high-skilled talent to large, local elderly care institutions and an innovative measure that provides a replicable model for addressing the nationwide shortage of elderly care professionals," said Zhou Wanli, director of the elderly care services division at the Chongqing Civil Affairs Bureau.

According to a recent announcement from the college, their Intelligent Health and Elderly Care Services and Management program met its capacity of 100 students, with each surpassing the undergraduate threshold in the college entrance examination. This success underscores the program's distinction among the more than 50 programs offered by the college.

Statistics show that Chongqing faces a pressing demand for elderly care services, with 8.01 million elderly residents accounting for a quarter of the city's permanent population. There is a shortage of 15,000 skilled professionals in this field, with new roles remaining largely unfilled, such as elderly care consultants and smart product designers.

To ensure successful job placement, the bureau has partnered with over 20 pilot institutions. Upon admission, students sign an agreement committing to work in elderly care institutions in Chongqing's urban area for at least three years post-graduation. This agreement secures employment and positions graduates for advancement, as pilot institutions will develop them as reserve management talent, with opportunities for promotion.

The bureau has also committed to investing approximately 10 million yuan ($1.39 million) over the next three years to support the project. The first cohort of 100 publicly funded elderly care students is set to begin their studies this fall.

The program's curriculum is tailored to meet industry needs, emphasizing community-based elderly care management and the integration of medical care and geriatric rehabilitation nursing, ensuring that graduates are well-equipped to address the sector's evolving demands.