Partner Organization: Beijing Shifangyuan Elderly Hospice and Mind Care Centre

Project Duration: Jun 2015 – Dec 2015

Project Status: Completed

At the end of 2013, the total number of elderly people in China reached 202 million which makes up 14.8% of the total population. Among them, more than 40 million are considered to be at the end-of-life. Although there has been increased efforts to manage the situation, however most organizations tend to centre their efforts on medical care, living conditions and community care, often leaving out the psychological aspect of the matter. Due to societal pressures and a poor understanding of life and living, these elderlies often experience unnecessary amounts of fear and mental stress as they approach this stage of life.

One organization that has undertaken to tackle this issue is the Beijing Shifangyuan Elderly Hospice and Mind Care Centre. The centre teamed up with various organizations to conduct research and introduced a series of care standards ranging from basic psychological care, preventative measures and suggested good practices. These standards were then tested by social workers, overseen by the Beijing Civil Affairs Bureau. The results of the trial were later shared with the Standardization Administration of the People's Republic of China which can be used to shape regulation and further develop the sector for the benefit of the elderly population. The study was jointly funded by the Beijing Yifang Foundation and the Beijing Shifangyuan Elderly Hospice and Mind Care Centre.