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China is facing a fast-growing number of elderly. However, the traditional Chinese model of filial care at home does not work anymore due to “empty nesters”, the one-child policy (one couple has to care for 4 parents), etc. Central Government’s “90-7-3” strategy sets the frame of how to cope with a large number of elderly in need of care. Yet, so far there are only little focus, understanding and capabilities on care at home (90%) and in communities (7%). Also, there is a lack of collaboration between medical care (MOH) and social care (Civil Affairs).
How does it work?
The multiply awarded Buurtzorg Model, considered as “Global Best Practice’ in the Western World, provides patient-centric care at home, addressing both medical and social needs. The digitally-enabled comprehensive elderly care model allows the elderly to age at home in the best possible condition, dignity and independence.
Trained nurses are empowered to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the patient, to identify the problem areas and to develop a tailored care plan. They also define care objectives for each problem area and track the progress continuously. They work closely together with the family members, doctors (GPs) and caregivers, and they involve and leverage informal and formal resources of the neighbourhood as much as possible, resulting in minimized formal care hours and lower cost.
The nurse provides the medical part of the care and at the same time orchestrates the entire care process with all its stakeholders. They use a structured care model (“Omaha System”) and are supported by a comprehensive IT system that guides and documents the entire care process. The Buurtzorg model hence focuses on care outcomes and prevention so that the elderly can continue to live in their homes in better health, with dignity and best possible independence while keeping the total cost of cure and care at a minimum.
Requirements for successful implementation?
- Understanding of the concept and willingness to pilot by local government: Current LTCI policies in China are purely input-focused, i.e. the number of patients/hours served. We suggest setting up a pilot project over a period of 2 years where Buurtzorg China will be mandated to provide care in a neighbourhood following the Buurtzorg model and an (academic/independent) research institution tracks all data on health/wellbeing improvement and total cost of cure and care.
- Willingness to collaborate between BOH/community health centres/community hospital and Bureau of Civil Affairs
Why is this solution relevant for China?
China’s ever-increasing number of “empty nesters” and hundred thousands of elderly suffering “alone at home”, in combination with the high prevalence for certain chronic diseases among the elderly like diabetes, hypertension or dementia, calls for resource-efficient, affordable and effective solutions to care for the elderly in their homes and in communities. Otherwise, neither human nor financial resources will be sufficient to cope with the challenge of the ageing population.
TESTIMONIAL
“My mother is suffering from diabetics and hypertension. I am busy and working, I have concerns about her medication, diet, monitoring of blood sugar and mental health. I usually argued with her about all these topics. But I don’t want to take care of my mother as a child. I hoped she could take medication on time, have regular and healthy diets, monitor her blood pressure/sugar regularly, have hobbies with her friends. I looked for professional help. Thanks to the support of the Buurtzorg nurse, I am so glad to see my mother had regained her healthy way of living now.”
