Mao Yahong (R) has managed a charity assisted living center for seniors for more than 15 years. [Photo/zhoushan.cn]

Mao Yahong, the manager of a charity assisted living center for seniors in Daixi town, Daishan county, Zhoushan, Zhejiang province, has been taking care of seniors for over 15 years.

Mao, a Party member, worked as a certified public accountant before she was appointed as the manager of the center by the local government in May 2004.

She was designated as a county-level role model in 2014 for the help she provided to the seniors living at the center.

"After I came to the center, a lot of companies wanted to hire me and offered me a high salary as an accountant. But I thought the seniors need me – they had no one else to rely on, so I ultimately chose to stay here to look after them," said Mao when asked why she has stayed at the center for so long.

Over the past 15 years, Mao has learned basic skills such as how to repair electric appliances and other facilities in a bid to maintain a comfortable residing environment. She also built a small garden at the center to provide organic and fresh vegetables to seniors.

"Fifteen years ago, the center had only two employees – me and a nurse – but thanks to the local government’s support, that number has increased to five, which means we can provide better services to the seniors," added Mao.

According to Mao, seniors need not only living assistance but also spiritual comfort.

"She is just like my daughter," said Xia Ayue, a women living at the center.