Community Eldercare Ecology in China

Informed by an social-ecological framework, this book focuses on the development of community-based eldercare in urban China and the transforming caregiving relationships emerging in Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) programs. Bringing the voices of community-dwelling older adults, HCBS staff members, and policymakers into a current and timely discussion around HCBS development, it considers formal caregiving relationships, evolving caregiving culture, and the trajectory of long-term care development in urban China. Drawing on surveys, in-depth interviews, and government archives, this book explores the emergence of one of the most developed HCBS programs in Shanghai, its development over the past decade, its administration and services, resource allocation, staff members' work experiences, older adults' service experiences, as well as service evaluation and improvements. Ageing is considered as a dynamic, ongoing process, where culture, environment, services, and interpersonal relationships shape older adults' life in the community. Offering fresh insight into new forms of caregiving in community settings, and shape a new discourse on caregiving policy, this book is a key read for both students and practitioners in the fields of long-term care, gerontology, geriatrics, health care, and health policy.