ELDERLY people who live alone and have no children will be given priority under a new assessment system that seeks to ensure senior citizens receive the care and support they need.

Under a draft proposal presented at the ongoing 12th session of the Shanghai Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, places at the city's nursing and care homes will be provided to each according to his or her needs.

Those requirements will be assessed by officials at community centers and civil affairs authorities, while financial support will be provided to those who need it, according to the draft, which will be evaluated by lawmakers during the annual session of the Shanghai People's Congress.