Core Insights - The first qualification examination for long-term care workers in the province was held in Hangzhou, with successful candidates set to receive their certificates in mid-December, marking the establishment of the first batch of long-term care workers in the region [3][4] - As part of the municipal government's livelihood initiatives, the long-term care insurance program in Hangzhou has seen significant growth, with over 11.9 million insured individuals and more than 26,000 disabled persons receiving care services by the end of October this year [3][5] Group 1 - The examination for long-term care workers included practical assessments in simulated living scenarios for disabled elderly individuals, requiring candidates to perform various tasks within a 45-minute timeframe [4] - A significant majority (95%) of the candidates came from various elderly care institutions, highlighting the demand for skilled professionals in this sector [4][5] - The current shortage of frontline long-term care workers in Hangzhou is exacerbated by issues such as an aging workforce and low educational qualifications, which the certification aims to address [5][6] Group 2 - Long-term care workers are required to possess a diverse skill set that includes life care, medical care, health management, and knowledge of long-term care insurance policies, distinguishing them from other caregiving roles [6][7] - The national occupational standard for long-term care workers was established earlier this year, outlining the necessary skills, training requirements, and ethical standards for the profession [7][8] - The entry requirements for becoming a long-term care worker are relatively low, attracting a wide range of applicants, including students, unemployed individuals, and even healthy retirees [8][9] Group 3 - The long-term care worker profession is structured into three levels, with increasing skill and knowledge requirements at each level, ensuring a clear career progression path [9] - The average monthly salary for long-term care workers is reported to be over 8,000 yuan, which is higher than the average salary for home caregivers [8][9] - Future initiatives will focus on enhancing the professional incentive mechanisms to promote the high-quality development of long-term care insurance projects [9]