Shanghai: Open accompanying diagnosis services for all elderly people aged 60 and above.

Recently, the Shanghai Civil Affairs Bureau, together with the Municipal Health Commission, the Municipal Human Resources and Social Security Bureau, the Municipal Consumer Protection Committee and other units, issued a plan to comprehensively promote elderly medical accompanying services. In response to the concerns of elderly friends and family members regarding accompanying services, fees, institution identification, and employment requirements, the Shanghai Civil Affairs Bureau has provided detailed answers in conjunction with the plan. It is reported that the elderly medical accompanying services are aimed at people over 60 years old, with service norms and training requirements tailored to the needs of the elderly. There are no restrictions based on household registration, and elderly people from other places can also purchase the services. The services include but are not limited to accompanying elderly people to medical institutions, accompanying or assisting in medical processes, facilitating communication between doctors and patients, providing psychological comfort, and reminding them to take medication as prescribed. The plan clearly requires accompanying service institutions to set reasonable prices and to display service content, fees, and standards prominently in the location. Pricing should be clear. For elderly people in need, such as those receiving government assistance or with low incomes, each district is encouraged to include accompanying services in the scope of elderly care subsidies, or provide support through public charitable resources.