In a bustling Beijing neighborhood, 46-year-old Lu Yajing begins her daily rounds as a care management specialist. Seated on her electric scooter, she is headed to visit a 78-year-old man who is dealing with chronic kidney disease and partial blindness. The role of care management specialists is essential in ensuring seniors receive the best care possible while staying in the comfort of their own homes.
Upon arrival, the specialist checks the man’s vital signs, including blood pressure, blood sugar, and oxygen levels. In addition to this, the home environment is assessed for safety hazards, and health advice is provided to help manage the man’s conditions. Furthermore, a foot care appointment is arranged, ensuring that his health needs are fully addressed.
Lu's transition to care management began after 19 years of practicing as a rural doctor. In 2019, Beijing introduced pilot projects to create a family care service system for the elderly, with Xicheng District taking the lead in implementing a care management service model. This shift led to the creation of the profession of care management specialists. Lu, recognizing the importance of this emerging field, entered elderly care services and completed extensive training, earning certification as a senior care management specialist in 2021. She now uses her medical background and specialized health management training to meet the complex needs of elderly individuals, many of whom suffer from severe disabilities, dementia, or other age-related health issues.
The clients served by care management specialists are often elderly individuals with serious health problems, many of whom are over 90 years old. One December evening, a call was received about a man under care who had been running a fever for two days and had fallen due to weakness. Immediate action was taken, and support staff were contacted while the specialist rushed to the elderly man’s home.
Upon arrival, the specialist assessed the man’s condition, measuring vital signs and reviewing his medical history. He was prepared for a hospital visit, and all medical documents were gathered. At the hospital, detailed information about his condition and treatment history was provided to the doctor, ensuring proper care. After a long night, the elderly man was safely returned home, and the family received clear instructions on how to administer medication properly.
The demand for elderly care services in China continues to grow. In 2023, nearly 297 million people aged 60 or older were recorded, accounting for more than 21 percent of the population. This shift has driven a significant increase in the need for elderly care services, particularly home-based care that enables seniors to remain in familiar surroundings while receiving necessary healthcare support.
Lu Lanqi, the general manager of the elderly care company where the specialists work, is optimistic about the future of the profession. "As China’s population ages and healthcare becomes more sophisticated, the demand for health monitoring, rehabilitation, and specialized services is rapidly increasing," he stated. "Care management specialists will be vital in addressing these needs."
However, challenges remain. Many families are still unaware of the role care management specialists play in elderly care. Often, these services are sought only by families facing severe disabilities or illness, typically with the help of government subsidies. While care management fees are reasonable, ranging from 100 yuan (about $14) to 600 yuan per month depending on the frequency of visits, many families hesitate to pay for these services out of pocket due to a lack of understanding of their value.
Despite these obstacles, experts remain confident about the future of the profession. "As demand grows for more specialized care, the role of care management specialists will gain greater recognition," said one expert. "The market for these services will continue to expand."
At the elderly care company, most care management specialists are young professionals, many under 40 years old. Wang Xiaohui, 24, is one of the youngest team members and has been working as a care management specialist for two years. She emphasized the need for more talent in the sector to meet the growing demand. “Each of us serves around 40 to 50 elderly clients. More specialists would allow us to dedicate more time to each individual,” she said.
As China faces the challenges of an aging population, care management specialists are becoming an increasingly vital part of the healthcare system. Combining medical expertise, compassion, and personalized care, these professionals help elderly individuals not only survive but thrive in their later years. Their work is essential to meeting the complex needs of an aging society, and their expertise will continue to be critical in the coming years.
