22nd October 2023 – (Hong Kong) A recent survey conducted by the Hong Kong Christian Service (HKCS) revealed that more than 40% of elderly carers in Hong Kong bear the responsibility of providing care alone, while nearly 90% have never utilised respite services. As Hong Kong’s population continues to age rapidly, the government’s emphasis on “ageing in place” has placed a heavy burden on carers. However, the lack of comprehensive respite services has hindered their efforts. In response, HKCS has called upon the government to enhance public education about respite services and leverage technology to improve support measures. Furthermore, HKCS has initiated a collaborative project with local shops in Sham Shui Po, known as the “Relief Corner,” to explore a new model of community-based respite services for the elderly.
The survey, conducted in August of this year, involved 499 carers of the elderly who were interviewed through questionnaires. The respondents were primarily female (81.8%), with 28.1% aged between 51 and 60, and 40.7% aged 61 or above. These figures reflect the prevalence of “the elderly taking care of the elderly” in Hong Kong society. The majority of carers (72.7%) were responsible for one elderly person, with 53.1% having provided care for five years or more. The elderly individuals being cared for were mainly their parents (69.5%) or spouses (20.6%).
The survey unveiled that carers face significant pressure due to the long hours they spend providing care alone. Approximately 33.3% of respondents rated their caring pressure as “very high” (8 to 10 out of 10). The most common reactions to this pressure were tiredness (62.5%), irritation (52.9%), and a constant feeling of tension (40.5%). The primary source of pressure reported by carers was the absence of others who could share the caregiving workload (43.3%). Furthermore, 27.7% of carers spent eight or more hours per day caring for the elderly on weekdays, equivalent to or more than a full-time job.
Despite the challenges faced by carers, the survey revealed that 89.6% of them had never utilised respite services. The main reasons cited for this were a lack of awareness about available services (38.3%) and concerns that the elderly individuals being cared for would struggle to adapt (29.8%). This indicates a lack of understanding regarding the potential benefits of respite services and suggests that existing services do not adequately meet the needs of the elderly.
When carers needed to attend to personal matters, 47.1% were unable to find immediate replacements, leading to delays or cancellations in dealing with important issues. The survey identified the top three elements carers desired in respite services: proximity to their homes (72.7%), flexible service times (66.1%), and on-demand availability without prior booking (54.3%). Current respite services often fail to fulfill these requirements.
The “Relief Corner” initiative launched by HKCS in collaboration with shops in Sham Shui Po has provided respite services for nearly 100 individuals since May. The project aims to create a carer-friendly community and offers spaces for two to four people to rest. HKCS plans to provide training for the staff of participating shops to meet the diverse needs of the elderly. They encourage more volunteers and businesses to join their efforts in building a supportive community.
To address the identified challenges, HKCS recommends strengthening public education about respite services, encouraging diversified community respite services through partnerships, and utilising digital technology to improve support for carers. HKCS believes that suitable community respite services can alleviate the pressure on carers and contribute to the long-term goal of “ageing in place.” They invite interested individuals to volunteer or provide respite spaces and can be contacted through the HKCS enquiry line at 98430631.