Fan Zhi and Chen Zeying, a couple from Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region in northwest China, have decided to provide a new service to the elderly with mobility issues. Two years after starting their funeral business, the couple is now offering free bathing services to the disabled elderly. For many of these individuals, taking a shower is a luxury, and a simple bath can bring them much-needed comfort and dignity. According to Fan, who used to be a florist in the regional capital Yinchuan, bathing services are a way of giving back to the community and helping those in need.
In 2020, Chen retired from her job at a cemetery, and the couple started their funeral service business, which primarily involved washing the body of the deceased, trimming their nails, and getting them into funeral shrouds. The cleaning process typically takes several hours as the couple believes it is a way of showing respect for the deceased. However, it was not until a year ago when the couple decided to extend their services to include the elderly with mobility issues.
Fan’s decision to offer bathing services to the disabled elderly came after cleaning up the body of a departed senior in terrible hygiene conditions. It was then when he realized how difficult it must have been for the senior to maintain personal hygiene, given their mobility issues. The experience inspired Fan to provide free bathing services to the elderly as a way of giving back to the community.
For the elderly with mobility issues, a simple bath can be a challenging and exhausting task. Fan and Chen’s services have provided much-needed relief to these individuals, and they are grateful for the opportunity to make a difference in their lives. The couple is committed to providing their services for as long as possible, as they believe it is a way of giving back to the community and helping those in need.
The couple’s new service has gained much attention and appreciation from the local community, with many praising their selfless dedication to helping others. The couple’s funeral service business has now expanded to include more than just washing and cleaning services, as they continue to explore ways to help those in need. Fan and Chen are a true inspiration to their community, and their dedication to helping others is an inspiration to us all.
Fan Zhi and Chen Zeying’s decision to offer free bathing services to the elderly with mobility issues came after they discovered that many of these individuals were unable to maintain proper hygiene due to their disabilities. One experience, in particular, stuck with Fan when he was told that a senior had not taken a proper shower in a long time since becoming paralyzed and incontinent. Fan used three towels to do the cleaning and realized that at-home bathing services were essential for these individuals.
To provide these services, the couple spent over 3,000 yuan (about 435 U.S. dollars) on equipment such as a mobile shower, an inflatable bathtub, a blood pressure gauge, an ultraviolet germicidal lamp, and other items necessary for at-home bathing. They consulted with professionals to learn how to care for the elderly and simulated the bathing process several times before providing their services. The couple wanted to ensure that they provided the best possible care to those they were serving.
Initially, the couple charged around 200 yuan for each shower, but they soon realized that many disabled seniors from poor families could not afford it. As a result, they decided to provide the service for free. The couple’s generosity and compassion have gained widespread recognition from their local community, and they have inspired others to give back to those in need.
Fan and Chen’s efforts have not only improved the physical health of the elderly but also their mental and emotional wellbeing. Many seniors struggle with loneliness and isolation, and Fan and Chen’s presence and care provide them with much-needed human connection and support. The couple’s efforts have helped to restore the dignity and independence of the elderly they serve, making a significant impact on their lives.
The couple’s work has also highlighted the issue of healthcare access for disabled seniors, especially those from poor families. Their efforts have shed light on the challenges that many elderly individuals face, and their commitment to providing at-home bathing services has become an essential part of their community.
Apart from physical challenges, Fan Zhi and Chen Zeying also have to deal with the psychological resistance of the elderly they serve. Many seniors are hesitant to be bathed by strangers, which can create anxiety and stress. To address this, Chen often holds their hands and engages in conversations to make them feel at ease. She assures them that there is nothing to be ashamed of and encourages them to consider her as their daughter.
Despite the challenges, Chen finds great satisfaction in seeing the seniors feeling refreshed and relaxed after their shower. She expresses affection towards them by rubbing her cheek with theirs as a gesture of farewell. The couple’s dedication and commitment to their work have made a significant impact on the lives of those they serve.
From June to October of the previous year, the couple provided free bathing services to over 30 seniors when the temperature was favorable for such services. The couple’s efforts have been critical in addressing the hygiene needs of the elderly in their community, providing much-needed relief to those who struggle with mobility challenges.
The number of elderly individuals in China is continually increasing, with statistics indicating that by the end of 2021, there were 267 million people aged 60 or above. The number is expected to surpass 300 million by 2025, which highlights the importance of addressing the healthcare needs of this population. The work of Fan Zhi and Chen Zeying is an essential step towards addressing the hygiene and healthcare needs of this growing demographic.
The Chinese government is taking steps to improve the country’s elderly care service system. The development plan for the system from 2021 to 2025 aims to support various types of elderly care businesses, including mobile bath vans and at-home bathing services. Additionally, the plan seeks to cultivate a batch of professional bathing assistance organizations for seniors.
Fan Zhi and Chen Zeying’s efforts align with the government’s development plan, and the couple has even more significant plans for the future. Fan hopes to establish a volunteer team to provide free bathing services and apply for a community workplace for their services. This would allow them to expand their reach and provide support to more elderly individuals in their community.
The couple’s dedication and commitment to their work have made a significant impact on the lives of those they serve. Their efforts also demonstrate the need for community-based services that address the hygiene and healthcare needs of the elderly. By expanding their services and cultivating a volunteer team, Fan and Chen can provide a sustainable and long-term solution to address the needs of the elderly in their community.
The government’s plan to develop the elderly care service system also highlights the importance of addressing the needs of this growing demographic. The aging population in China presents significant challenges and opportunities, and it is crucial to have a comprehensive and effective system that addresses their healthcare needs. By supporting various types of elderly care businesses and cultivating professional assistance organizations, the government aims to improve the quality of life for the elderly population in the country.
Fan Zhi and Chen Zeying’s funeral service business is an essential part of their work. However, traditional Chinese beliefs view death and corpses as inauspicious, leading people to avoid those who work in funeral services. This belief affects the couple’s free bathing services for the elderly, as people may be hesitant to accept their services due to their association with death and corpses.
To address this issue, Fan hopes to separate their funeral services from their free bathing services. He believes that by doing so, the public will be more accepting of their free bathing services, which are critical to the health and wellbeing of the elderly in their community.
Separating the two services will also allow the couple to focus more on their free bathing services and expand their reach to more individuals in need. By removing the stigma associated with their work in the funeral service business, the couple can better serve their community and make a more significant impact on the lives of those they help.
It is essential to understand the cultural beliefs and practices that shape people’s perceptions and attitudes towards healthcare services. The couple’s efforts to separate their funeral service business from their free bathing services reflect their sensitivity to the cultural beliefs and values of their community. It also highlights the importance of cultural competency in healthcare services, particularly in diverse communities where cultural practices may differ.
Read More: