HK care homes 'more mature in service delivery'

Adelyn Lau

Service quality at elderly care homes in the mainland is improving but Hong Kong must ensure there is a sufficient supply of such facilities, said Chua Hoi-wai, chief executive of Hong Kong Council of Social Service.

Chua said yesterday that while mainland care homes offer more space and have younger, adequate staffing, Hong Kong facilities excel in the application of gerontology.

"I believe the quality of residential care services in Hong Kong, particularly in terms of soft skills, is somewhat superior," he said.

"Although gerontology is being adopted in the mainland, Hong Kong tends to integrate it more effectively into rehabilitation training and regular group activities."

His comments came after the government proposed in this year's policy address to subsidize 1,000 elderly receiving comprehensive social security assistance to live in designated care homes in Guangdong as part of a three-year pilot scheme starting next year.

While Chua welcomed the option, he said the administration should not reduce the supply of local services.

He said the council is, in collaboration with the administration, organizing the upcoming Gerontech and Innovation Expo cum Summit from November 21 to 24 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center in Wan Chai.

It will feature 220 exhibitors showcasing around 900 products, including specialized items for children with special needs, such as wheelchairs for individuals with intellectual disabilities and pediatric exoskeletons.

Two fast-food chains will also set up booths, offering tastings of special menus.

Chua expressed concern about the growing number of older Hongkongers living alone or in pairs, particularly elderly individuals caring for other elderly relatives.

These situations have led to tragedies where seniors have been unable to receive home care.

Chua is an advocate of wider application of home monitoring technologies. The expo will showcase products that connect to common household appliances, enabling monitoring in order to provide timely assistance.