Policy Address 2024: Hong Kong strengthens support for carers and the elderly

Carers and elderly in Hong Kong across 18 districts will be able to receive support services from government “care teams” starting next year.

This year’s pilot scheme in two districts “achieved good results” in identifying and reaching out to households in need and providing support to the elderly and carers who called a designated hotline, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said in today’s policy address.

“In the past six months, the care teams visited 4,700 families and referred about 900 cases to social welfare organizations for follow-up,” Lee said.

Huang Zhi-qiang, 59, with his wife Chen Mei-ling, 63, take care of his father, Huang Jiong Hui, 81, who suffers from Alzheimer's. Huang said his family has benefited from the scheme.

"As an older couple, we've found that the service from the care team has been incredibly helpful and sustaining for us," Huang said, adding that the care team came to the hospital where his father is.

"Expanding resources for home-based elderly caretakers is essential; many families like ours rely on this assistance from the government and care team to maintain the quality of life for our loved ones," Chen said.

Li Lee, captain of the Fortress Hill District Service and Care Team, said that the government should consider increasing the number of care team members ahead of launching the scheme next year.  His team currently has 11 members, according to the Home Affairs Department. 

"We tend to visit elderly caretakers every one to two months and provide services like house repair, cleaning as well as escort service,” Li said.

District councilors organize the care teams of health professionals and public volunteers..  

The government will also explore the setting up of an inter-disciplinary and inter-organisation database that could provide early intervention and support for high-risk cases.

Tsui Hiu-kit, captain of the Cheung Hong Estate District Service and Care Team, said there is a need for better support systems for the elderly and caretakers. 

"Caretakers need their own time, and centers should provide temporary care to allow them to rest and recharge,” Tsui said.

He said it was difficult for the care teams to recognize mental health problems in caretakers. 

"They often do not speak about their difficulties," Tsui said.