Ms. Zhang from Binjiang District in Hangzhou always faced a problem during long holidays. She wanted to take her child to see the world, but her elderly parents found it hard to travel far. Leaving them alone at home also worried her — she couldn’t be in two places at once.

This year, however, the National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival brought a new idea. Xixing Street in Binjiang worked with three local elderly care centers to try a “short-stay care” service. For 99 yuan per day, older people could stay at the centers and get three meals a day plus daily care. This quickly helped Ms. Zhang. “Now my parents are taken good care of, and we can travel with our child without so much worry,” she said.

At Hangzhou Binkang Elderly Care Center, after their noon rest, the seniors sang and played games by the window with staff helping them. The manager, Ying Xiao’ang, said four seniors had used the service. They offer a “daycare and short-term stay” model — seniors can go home at night or choose to stay over. The center also held fun activities like finger exercises and painting, and used a WeChat group to keep families updated. Grandpa Liu, who stayed for three days, said it felt safer than staying home.

Local officials said the service helps reduce stress for families and they will work to make it better. Many local people hope it will also be available on ordinary days.

1. 1. During long holidays, Ms. Zhang ______.

A    has no money to take her child traveling

B     refuses to take her parents to care centers

C    can’t balance taking care of kid and parents

D    doesn’t want to go out with her kid

2. 2. How much does the short-stay elderly care service cost each day?

A    It costs 199 yuan a day.

B    It is free for the first day.

C    It costs 99 yuan a week.

D    It costs 99 yuan per day.

3. 3. What do seniors do at the elderly care center?

A    Only rest and eat meals.

B    Join in fun activities.

C    Work with staff as helpers.

D    Travel with their families.

4. 4. What can we infer about Grandpa Liu’s experience?

A    He felt it was safe there.

B    He found it too expensive.

C    He thought it was boring.

D     He preferred staying home.

5. 5. What do many residents expect for the service?

A    It should be cheaper.

B    It should be available daily.

C    It should include more holidays.

D    It should be only for seniors.