Redefining elderly care with heart and skill

People often think elderly care is a job for those with decades of experience, but 34-year-old Shi Yiwen is proving that dedication and compassion can make even a newcomer to the profession a champion.

At the National Women's Home Care Service Professional Skills Competition, held in Hefei, Anhui province, from Nov 4 to 6, Shi claimed first place in the elderly care category, winning praise not only for her technical skills but also for her empathy and commitment to making each day meaningful for the elderly she serves.

The competition had four categories: maternal and infant care, elderly care, organizing and storage, and household services.

In the elderly care category, judges evaluated caregivers based on their preparedness, communication skills, caregiving expertise, and ability to adapt on the spot.

They placed significant emphasis on assessing the contestants' professional ethics, including whether caregivers asked about additional needs during operations, ensured comfort in the environment and posture, and demonstrated humanistic care.

Shi has been in the profession for seven years, but compared to many of her fellow contestants, some with decades of experience, she considers herself a "newbie". For this reason, she emphasized that her greatest takeaway from the competition was not winning first place, but the lessons learned from the event and from her peers.

"Every participant is a rock star; they excel in their own ways. While the competition has time limits and specific standards, these criteria do not fully reflect their actual job performance," Shi said. "I gained valuable insights into their work ethics and personal tips through this experience."

Shi also pointed out that each participant should be recognized for their unique strengths. "One might receive the 'Most Humorous Award', while another could be honored with the 'Most Experienced Award'. They all serve as my role models," she said.

Before entering the elderly care sector, Shi worked as a nurse, primarily focused on administering treatments, monitoring vital signs, and managing medications. However, her perspective changed after transitioning to elderly care.

"While elders may face medical challenges like chronic illnesses, our focus lies more on their mental well-being and emotional care, helping them live with dignity and joy in their remaining years," Shi explained.

"Looking back on my days as a nurse, I've come to realize the importance of tending to their emotional needs and preserving their sense of pride as individuals," she added.

According to her, many families seek elderly care services expecting primarily physical and basic medical assistance for their loved ones. Shi, along with many of her colleagues, entered this profession driven by empathy for the elderly. However, she soon discovered that physical care is just a small part of the job.

"Physical aid is fundamental, but it only scratches the surface of their needs. Despite being in their 80s or 90s, elders still have various interests, from hobbies to even romantic pursuits. It's crucial to respect and learn from them," Shi emphasized.

She noted that the elders' outlook on life has had a profound impact on her.

"I realized that despite their limited time left, they do not seek our sympathy. The emotional exchange is reciprocal; each day is a new adventure, and we're like travel companions on their journey," she said.

Over the past few years, Shi has noticed a growing number of young individuals, including some her age or even younger, entering the industry. However, the workforce is still predominantly made up of individuals born in the 1970s and 1980s.

"Younger people adapt to new techniques and knowledge fast. For a system to thrive and continue, it's crucial to bring in fresh blood," she said.

Shi underscored the significance of younger generations engaging with, or at least acknowledging, the trend of an aging population in the country, highlighting their integral role in society.

She explained that working in elderly care is personally rewarding because the industry's evolving standards and requirements drive continuous learning.

"This field evolves rapidly, and young people who value self-improvement and embrace challenges may find it to be an ideal fit," Shi said. "They can gain a wide range of skills, from first aid and rehabilitation to psychology."

She added that while they may not become experts in every area, they have the potential to become well-rounded caregivers both at work and at home.

Building meaningful connections with the elderly is also deeply fulfilling. Shi shared that she and many of her colleagues have developed strong, "family-like" bonds with the elders they care for.

"Young people can learn invaluable life lessons from older adults, and in turn, their energy and vitality can brighten the lives of the elderly, reminding them of their own youth," she said. "There's no other job I would choose."