When a stranger steps in family care

Paid medical companionship has emerged as a vital service in China, addressing the challenges elderly patients face navigating complex, digitized hospital environments. With 23% of the population aged 60 or older, many families struggle to balance work commitments with the frequent hospital visits required for their aging relatives. These professional companions assist with registration, payments, and communication, providing essential peace of mind. However, the industry faces significant hurdles, including a lack of mandatory national certification, potential liability risks regarding medical consent forms, and privacy concerns. While costs generally range from 50 to 100 yuan per hour, some local governments are now integrating these services into public elder care subsidies and community volunteer programs to improve affordability and trust, shifting the model from a purely commercial transaction to a more structured, reliable support system.