On February 22, 2025, the Yidu Elderly Care Center was filled with warmth and serenity, as residents participated in various recreational activities, including chess and card games. The atmosphere was peaceful, and smiles adorned the faces of many seniors enjoying their day. Among them was Zhang Shufen, the technical director of Hebei Yishui Ink Company and a National People’s Congress representative, who visited the center to engage with residents and hear their voices.
Guo Zhenquan, an elderly resident who has been living at the center for over a year, initiated the discussion, expressing gratitude for the care he receives. “I eat well and live well here, but the rehab equipment is not enough,” he noted, signaling for more investment to meet the needs of the elderly. His sentiment was echoed by 83-year-old Yang Dema, who highlighted the diligence of care staff but pointed out, “Their professional skills need improvement.” Yang urged for more training opportunities and the recruitment of skilled professionals to provide holistic care.
Zhang Shufen attentively recorded their suggestions, visibly inspired by their openness. She responded affirmatively, “The suggestions you both provided are excellent. Many elderly care facilities are facing operational funding shortages, which hampers infrastructure and specialist recruitment. I will definitely explore feasible solutions.” After her conversation with the seniors, Zhang held discussions with the care center staff to understand their challenges and gather their input as well.
During this meeting, staff expressed similar concerns, urging for governmental support to relieve operational pressure on nursing institutions. “We have not done enough on health tracking and management,” one staff member remarked, emphasizing their desire for more structured professional development. Zhang noted every point raised, recognizing the importance of addressing such issues for both operational efficiency and enhanced resident welfare.
Why was Zhang Shufen so drawn to the elderly care sector? “Everyone has seniors at home, and everyone will grow old,” she stated, reflecting on her personal experiences caring for her mother during her illness. She outlined the dilemmas many residents face, especially those without family or immediate support. Zhang affirmed her commitment to improving elder care as interconnected with broader social welfare.
Her initiatives have not gone unnoticed. Zhang established the Yidu Elderly Care Center to offer attentive care and has visited various senior care facilities across Hebei province to heighten awareness of the challenges faced. Through her interactions, she has identified pain points within traditional care methods and often suggests innovative approaches aimed at integrating fitness and leisure activities within the eldercare framework.
“Many have misconceptions about the elderly care industry; they see it merely as taking care of the frail. The reality is much broader and richer,” Zhang explained. Many seniors have expressed interest in engaging activities suitable for their age, such as sports, emphasizing the need for “Elderly Care + Sports + Tourism” as viable pathways.
To this end, Zhang established six gateball courts near the Yidu Community, encouraging seniors like 66-year-old Yang Chunli to participate. Yang voiced enthusiasm for the initiative, stating, “This court is excellent; not only do we exercise, but we also connect with friends and promote local tourism by showcasing our home products.”
With the National People’s Congress approaching, Zhang has compiled feedback and suggestions from the elderly and care staff. Her suggestions promote enhanced funding support for elderly institutions, advocating for policy-setting and the provision of financial incentives to boost care standards.
“We must shift from purely providing basic needs to delivering comprehensive emotional and physical care,” she asserted passionately. Zhang believes ensuring quality elder care strengthens families and safeguards the future for everyone involved.
Moving forward, she remains determined to champion the voices of the elderly on national platforms, working tirelessly to advance proposals and summon more awareness to the pressing need for innovative elder care solutions. “Our charity lies within the task of caring for and respecting our elders. Each effort fortifies the foundation of our society,” Zhang concluded, reiterative of her vision for the future of elderly care.