Service Projects

Approximately 330,000 elders aged 60 and above need long-term home care, together with 164,000 unpaid carers in Hong Kong. Concerning the aging population, prevalence on “elderly taking care of the elderly” has become incredibly high. The hurdles and challenges that caregivers face are far more complex than we might imagine. Ah Fun (anonym) aged 77 and Ah Yung (anonym) aged 85 epitomize this struggle.

Ah Yung suffers from a myriad of health issues, including coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, prostate issues, and recently diagnosed as Dementia. Ah Fun, eight years younger than Ah Yung and 77 years old herself also face own health challenges, including high blood pressure and chronic pain and swelling limbs.

In addition to offering round-the clock care, Ah Fun is also responsible for preparing three meals daily, handling grocery shopping, and overseeing household affairs. Once, Ah Yung almost caused a fire when reheating food as she was away for grocery shopping.Therefore, Ar Fun always hurries back home every time she goes out because she is worried that something might happen when Ar Yung is alone. With dementia Ar Yung becomes frequently irritable, which Ar Fun feels depressed and exhausted both physically and mentally.

Through our "Home-based Chronic Disease Management Service" service, our case managers and nurses assess the elderly individuals and arrange regular visits by trained volunteers to provide home visits and caring calls. They visit the homes of the elderly, engage in conversations, and gain firsthand understanding of their living conditions and needs. During each visit, the elderly receives a chronic disease check-up, healthcare knowledge education and skills on chronic disease self-management. Health tips are also shared to help them develop healthy habits. Additionally, we provide them with health management equipment such as blood pressure monitors and blood glucose meter with test strips for those with proved financial needs, to further improve their quality of life. We also place great emphasis on the emotional well-being of the elderly. During each visit, we attentively listen to their stories, establish strong relationships, and provide comfort and encouragement when needed, so that they understand they are not alone on their caregiving journey.

Your contribution enables CDME service enhancement in both optimization and expansion on coverage which benefits countless elders and overburdened caregivers throughout Hong Kong.