Parent-visiting services offered in wake of law_美文

Parent-visiting services offered in wake of law

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People who are unable to visit their parents can now get help online - by hiring someone to go in their place.

At taobao.com, one of China's major online retail platforms, there are more than 30 services connected to visiting seniors. The costs range from 10 yuan ($1.60) to 5,000 yuan ($814.30).

The services follow a new law on the protection of senior citizens' rights, which came into effect on July 1 and stipulate that people should visit or contact their elderly parents often.

A Shenzhen-based shop owner, whose online username is "inse01:e4" said his company provides services for visiting elderly people across the country.

"Our staff members can visit your home to talk with your parents, send gifts to them and do simple housework for them. The service is 20 yuan per hour," said the shopkeeper. "We can teach elderly people how to use mobile phones and household appliances."

The customers must pay for transport and gift expenses.

Another service provider in Hunan province named "yxh200688" posted a notice at the Taobao shop, advertising full-time mothers willing to visit elderly people within the province.

She said one or two people would visit the client's parents, chat with them and play greetings videos from the client. They can write a visit report, take a picture or make a video of the parents to let the client know about their parents' conditions. The fee for such services is 300 yuan per visit, excluding transportation and extra payments for gifts.