Zhou Ruzhen cares for 2-year-old Dang Aidong, who was abandoned because of his congenital heart disease. Zou Hong / China Daily

"I felt hurt and wronged but still smiled and spoke to him slowly to explain what I was doing," she says.

The man needed to be taken to the restroom because he walked with a limp and fell down easily, she says.

Zhou sustained her passion and devotion despite the difficulties.

She learned how to shave, massage and cut hair, and even how to perform local operas for the residents.

Zhu Guiling speaks for many when he says: "I never thought I'd be this happy in my final years."

The 78-year-old has lived in the nursing home for half a decade.

Zhou has spent virtually every day with these seniors over the past 24 years - even Spring Festival, the most important time for family reunions.

This was initially hard for her husband Zhao Yiru to understand.

"I didn't see why she persisted in working at the nursing home and blamed her for spending so little time with her family in the early years," he recalls.

"It doesn't bring in much money. She currently earns 800 yuan ($129) a month."

Zhou says: "I feel sorry for my family."

Her daughter had to care for Zhou's bedridden mother-in-law and young grandchildren in the early years.

Her family came to support her when they saw the growing number of people moving into the nursing home because of Zhou. Zhao went to the retirement home to help in 2007.

Zhou's story inspired many volunteers, especially students and neighbors, to also pitch in.

Her colleague Zhao Lan says: "Zhou's behavior changed mine. It made me realize it's good to serve these people."

The local government invested in building more rooms in the home. In recent years, several children abandoned because of disabilities or diseases were also sent to the nursing home.

Zhou has arranged treatment for 2-year-old Dang Aidong, who has congenital heart disease. He received a free operation last year and will get another surgery in March.

After examining the 51 residents in the morning, Zhou, her husband and the 15 caregivers are busy bringing the residents their lunches at noon.

"I think I'll work here as long as I can walk, with the support of my family and others," Zhou says.

She smiles at her husband, who returns her grin.

Contact the writers through zhengjinran@chinadaily.com.cn.