Wang Rufang takes care of an elderly man in his house. [Photo/WeChat account: hafbwx]

On April 28, Wang Rufang from Hai'an, Jiangsu province, became the first person in China to receive an official national certificate as a long-term care specialist—a newly established profession aimed at addressing the growing demand for elderly care amid the country's aging population.

At 49, Wang made a bold career shift three years ago, leaving behind her long-running snack stall to enter the long-term care industry. Despite initially struggling with unfamiliar working conditions and societal perceptions of the job as physically demanding and low status, she persevered and gradually developed her skills through hands-on experiences, eventually emerging as a trusted professional in the field.

By taking the national long-term care specialist exam, Wang underwent comprehensive training in areas such as medical care, ethics, and fire safety.

China's aging society has placed increasing pressure on families, with the loss of independence by a single member often disrupting entire households. In response, the country introduced a national long-term care insurance system and, in February 2024, released official vocational standards for long-term care specialists, marking a major step toward professionalizing the industry.

Hai'an has been a leader in this effort, providing more than 1.19 million in-home care services over the past five years, with insurance funds covering 330 million yuan ($45.54 million) in expenses. These efforts have greatly improved the quality of life for families with members who have lost the ability to care for themselves.