Nation to promote services for elderly and boost consumption

Contingency plan rolled out to help nursing homes respond to emergencies

China will enhance services for the elderly by strengthening the emergency response capabilities of nursing homes and boosting consumption of products seniors need and enjoy to improve their sense of security and well-being.

The Ministry of Civil Affairs has issued a contingency plan to help nursing homes respond to natural disasters, accidents, public health incidents and security emergencies.

Under the plan, emergencies are classified into four levels based on the number of casualties, with level one the highest. Nursing homes are required to report emergencies promptly to local civil affairs departments, which will activate the response mechanism based on the severity. For example, a level four emergency will be activated when a disaster or accident results in up to three deaths.