The Zhongshan local government is providing a 2-hour free home service for more than 20 elderly people from both the eastern and western part of the city on a daily basis.

According to Zhongshan Municipal Bureau of Civil Affairs, the home service for the elderly people in the communities purchased by the government includes nursing, housekeeping, medical treatment and recreation help. The service is available to the elderly and widowed who are above 60 years old and have little income.

The service features a fixed pattern: a particular staff member is arranged to take care of some elderly people, and the service date, content, and place are fixed by the government.

The civil affairs department says the service is now in trial operation and its service range will be extended later according to how things develop. Companies and organizations are encouraged to participate by providing services or donations.