Patient Q&A
Patient Q&A: Can an older family member in Shanghai use an official paid companion for hospital visits?
Shanghai's June 29 policy update says residents aged 60 and above can use trained medical companions supplied by certified providers, with district civil-affairs bureaus expected to publish provider lists and pricing information.
Question: If my parent or older relative is in Shanghai and needs help getting through registration, consultation, payment, and medicine pickup at a hospital, is there an official companion service?
Answer: Shanghai's official English portal reported on June 29 that the city launched a medical companion service for residents aged 60 and above. The policy says trained companions can accompany older adults to healthcare facilities, help them navigate medical procedures, support communication with providers, and remind them about prescribed medicines. The same source says district civil-affairs bureaus are expected to publish lists of certified providers, and service organizations must clearly disclose their service scope, fees, and pricing standards.
This is practical support rather than medical advice or a substitute for licensed clinical judgment. Families should still confirm whether the older relative meets the local eligibility rules, whether the chosen hospital has any separate escort limits or appointment requirements, and whether language help is needed in addition to the companion service.