Research on Public Welfare Models for Assisted Bathing Services for the Elderly in Healthy Aging: A Case Study of Policy Practices in Shanghai

Abstract

As China’s population continues to age, bathing assistance services for the elderly have become a critical issue affecting their quality of life and health well-being. Based on the concept of healthy aging, this paper conducts an in-depth analysis of the characteristics and patterns of current bathing assistance needs among the elderly through a questionnaire survey of 200 seniors. It further explores innovative service models from a public welfare perspective. Research indicates that bathing assistance needs among the elderly exhibit characteristics of universality, multi-level complexity, and diversity. Establishing a public welfare service system guided by the government, supported by social participation, and anchored in community infrastructure can effectively enhance the accessibility, professionalism, and sustainability of bathing assistance services. This approach represents a vital pathway toward achieving healthy aging objectives.