Amidst the winter chill, the memory care unit at Taikang Community Yan Garden in Beijing remains vibrant as it approaches the end of the year. Li Qinggang, a seasoned senior care specialist, recently shared a heartwarming moment with a female resident experiencing cognitive impairment as they engaged in a classic tune, illustrating the important connectivity within these facilities.
Li has transitioned from a frontline supervisor of about 20 residents to a training manager responsible for the professional development of over 200 staff members. This career evolution reflects the overall professionalization of China’s elderly care sector, which now recognizes senior care specialists as vital interdisciplinary professionals. Officially acknowledged by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security in July, these specialists are equipped with diverse skills that encompass health assessments, medical support, rehabilitation, psychology, nutrition, service management, and tailored care planning.
Reflecting on his nearly eight years in dementia care, Li shared an impactful case where he addressed an elderly woman’s compulsive urge to use the restroom nearly 100 times daily. By analyzing her needs and developing a personalized intervention that incorporated her love of knitting, Li was able to successfully reduce her restroom visits by modifying her environment. Such instances have driven his philosophy that behavioral challenges often conceal unmet needs, which can be met through thoughtful adjustments in care and improved communication.
Li’s initiatives extend beyond individual interventions; he has implemented art therapy, created hands-on tasks for former professionals, and established a small vegetable garden for residents who enjoy nature. His approach emphasizes the reconstruction of emotional connections through innovative care methodologies.
He has also contributed significantly to a training manual, providing guidance now utilized by over 20 senior residential communities nationwide. His transition marks a pivotal moment in a country contending with an increasingly aging population — a statistic projected by the National Bureau of Statistics to include over 400 million individuals aged 60 and above by 2035.
Wu Leilei, a human resources executive at Taikang Community, acknowledged the pressing need for senior care specialists due to the mismatch between the evolving demands of care and the traditional models still in practice. The ongoing policy support from Chinese authorities aims to expedite the recognition of vocational skills among elderly care professionals.
As 2026 unfolds, Li’s aspirations are to further promote effective care models for seniors with cognitive impairments and to inspire a new generation of talent in the sector. He views the goal of an ideal aging society as centered around happiness, ensuring that every elder experiences comfort and dignity. His mission reflects a growing commitment to enhancing the quality of life for China’s elderly population.