Core Insights - By 2035, the number of disabled elderly people in China is projected to reach 46 million, with a current demand for long-term care for approximately 35 million disabled elderly individuals [1][3] - The Chinese government aims to increase the supply of nursing beds in elderly care facilities, mandating that newly built nursing homes have at least 80% of their beds designated for nursing care [1][2] Group 1: Policy and Market Dynamics - The recent government opinion emphasizes the development of inclusive services for the elderly, particularly focusing on disabled elderly care [1][2] - The proportion of nursing beds in elderly care institutions has already exceeded planning targets, reaching 62% as of last year [2][6] - Local governments are incorporating nursing bed ratios into their performance assessments, leading to increased targets for nursing bed construction in various regions [1][4] Group 2: Industry Response and Challenges - Private nursing homes are increasingly aware of the need to raise the proportion of nursing beds due to the high demand from elderly residents with care needs [4][5] - The nursing bed development goals set by the Ministry of Civil Affairs include achieving a nursing bed ratio of at least 50% by 2022, 55% by 2025, and 80% by 2035 [3][4] - Despite the growth in nursing bed numbers, challenges remain in operational management, including the need for qualified nursing staff and the affordability of care services [8][9] Group 3: Future Directions and Recommendations - There is a call for differentiated financial subsidies to encourage both public and private nursing homes to invest in nursing bed construction [2][8] - The development of community and home-based nursing beds is also recommended to complement institutional care [11] - The government is urged to enhance the accessibility of care services for economically disadvantaged elderly individuals through improved subsidy mechanisms [10][11]