Carers' Policies in Hong Kong

This chapter examines the development of carers’ policies in Hong Kong and evaluates their effectiveness. Hong Kong adopts an “ageing in place” approach, and frail and disabled members are expected to be cared for by their families using collective resources. However, many family carers are unable to cope with the tremendous caregiving pressures that negatively affect their physical and psychological well-being and even lead to family tragedies. By responding to this pressing problem, the Hong Kong government has launched various types of services for carers over the past ten years, including the Scheme on Living Allowance for Carers of Elderly Persons from Low-income Families, day and residential respite, a 24-hour carers hotline, an online information gateway, training for foreign domestic workers, carers’ database for identifying high-risk carers, and community education programmes. However, the new initiatives are fragmented, the application criteria are too stringent, and the financial support is insufficient. By effectively addressing the caregiving challenges faced by carers, the Hong Kong government should provide comprehensive support services and increase financial aid for family carers.