Elderly Woman in China Seeks ‘Daughter’ for Care, Offers Flat and Salary in Return

Elderly Woman in Central China Seeks New “Daughter” for Care

Henan Province, China — In a heartfelt appeal, an elderly woman from central China is on the lookout for a new “daughter” to care for her, as her own children are unable to provide the support she needs. Known only by her surname, Ma, the 70-year-old resident of Henan province shared her story during a local TV program on November 19, 2025.

Ma has two biological daughters, but her relationship with them has deteriorated. One daughter has distanced herself entirely, while the other struggles with a mental disability and cannot care for herself. With her health declining—she suffers from asthma and has difficulty walking—Ma is in search of someone who can accompany her to medical appointments and offer the warmth of familial care.

A Unique Offer

To attract potential candidates, Ma is offering a compelling package: one of her two flats and a monthly salary of 3,000 yuan (approximately $420) from her pension. Additionally, she has savings of 400,000 yuan (around $56,000) that could further sweeten the deal.

“I just want someone who can treat me like a daughter,” Ma expressed, emphasizing her desire for companionship and care in her twilight years.

Family Struggles

The situation with her daughters is fraught with tension. Ma’s elder daughter has distanced herself due to disagreements over family matters, including the upbringing of Ma’s granddaughter. The daughter claims she is unemployed and unable to care for her mother, stating that Ma’s decisions are “none of her business.” Compounding the issue, Ma divorced her husband at a young age and has lost contact with many relatives.

In her quest for a new daughter, Ma is willing to formalize the arrangement with a contract, ensuring clarity for both parties involved.

Public Reaction

The story has sparked a wave of mixed reactions online. While some individuals have shown interest in the position, others have raised concerns about the feasibility of such an arrangement. One commenter noted, “It seems to me that she is seeking someone to care for both herself and her younger daughter.” Another expressed skepticism about Ma’s ability to treat a new daughter well, given her strained relationship with her elder daughter.

Legal experts have weighed in as well. Xi Junqi, a lawyer from Henan Zhongdi Law Firm, stated that Ma’s elder daughter has a legal obligation to support her mother, which cannot be waived by relinquishing inheritance rights. Xi also mentioned that anyone who agrees to become Ma’s “daughter” would need a legacy support agreement to ensure their rights and responsibilities are clearly defined.

Conclusion

As Ma continues her search for companionship and care, her story highlights the complexities of family dynamics and the challenges faced by the elderly in modern society. With her offer on the table, she hopes to find not just a caregiver, but a new family connection in her time of need.