1. Situation of Elderly and Elderly Service in Hong Kong LEE Tin Yan Service Supervisor The Neighbourhood Advice-action Council Tuen Mun District Integrated Services Centre for the Elderly June 28, 2011

2. Some Data about Elderly Situation in Hong Kong Aging population: Aged >65 - 2008: 12.6% - 2016: 14% - 2033: 27% Dependency ratio (the no. of elders : each 1000 employed persons): - 2006: 168 - 2023: 282 - 2033: 428

3. Some Data about Elderly Situation in Hong Kong Elderly Poverty Problem  1/3 of elders in Hong Kong live in poverty  1/5 of elders in Hong Kong is relying on social security  1/2 social security cases are elderly cases Elders living alone  Around 150,000 (17% of total elderly population)  70% of them are living in poverty

4. Some Data about Elderly Situation in Hong Kong Elderly Suicide in Hong Kong  1 per day in average  Suicide rate ranked as the 2nd in the world  Suicide rate ranked as the 1st among all age groups in Hong Kong

5. Elderly Welfare Development – Cultural Background Population of Hong Kong - 95% Chinese Confucian ( 儒家 ) values: emphasis on roles in all aspects of social life (e.g. 君臣、 父子 ), clear authority hierarchy (e.g. 尊卑、 長幼 ), filial piety ( 孝道 ), etc. In the past, filial piety was defined as children’s obligations to parents and absolute respect for parental authority

6. Elderly Welfare Development – Cultural Background Traditional concepts: the obligation of supporting elders is on the kinship network There is an obvious decrease in the importance of these traditional values among people of younger generation

7. Elderly Welfare Development - Social Background In 1950s, civil war in Mainland China -> immigrants came to Hong Kong -> drastic increase in population Before 1970s: Relying on traditional kinship network and charity organizations Since 1970s: After a large scale riot in Hong Kong, the colonial government began to review the overall welfare policy. Social factors like “High-land-price policy” and westernization weaken the family support to the elderly

8. Elderly Welfare Development - Social Background Financial support of parents continues to be seen as desirable filial behavior, but its fulfillment is considered to be situational, and is often symbolic in practice Elderly parents are more aware that their children may not be able to look after them

9. Elderly Welfare Nowadays No universal pension system -> Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF) instead Elders having economic problem are replying on social security (Comprehensive Social Security Assistance) Elderly social services are mainly provided by non-governmental organizations, may they be subsidized by the government or not

10. The Government: Missions of Elderly Services Promote their sense of belonging ( 老有所 屬 ) Sense of security ( 老有所養 ) Sense of worthiness ( 老有所為 ) Aging in the community as core, institutional care as back-up

11. Long Term Care Service Mechanism Central Waiting List for subsidized long term care services: elderly hostels, day care centre and integrated home care services (for disabled and frail cases)  All applicants have to go through a standardized care need assessment, and will then be assigned to different waiting lists according to the impairment levels and their choices of services

12. Integrated Home Care Service Provide difference kinds of care and services to the elders, the disabled, individuals and families with social need. Meals delivery, escorting to clinics/hospitals, domestic work assistance, rehabilitation services, etc. Serving both ordinary and frail cases

13. Enhanced Home and Community Care Services For frail people suffered from moderate level of impairment Care management, basic and special nursing care, personal care, rehabilitation exercises, carer support services, respite service, out-of-hour emergency support, environmental risk assessment and home modifications, home-making service, provision of meals, transportation and escort service

14. Day Care Centre for the Elderly For frail and demented elders suffering from moderate or severe level of impairment Nursing care, rehabilitation training, health education, carer support services, day respite service, counselling and referral services, social and recreational activities, meal, transportation service.

15. Residential Care Service Different kinds of residential care services according to difference impairment levels:  Care and Attention Home  Nursing Home  Infirmary (managed by Hospital Authority)

16. Elderly Centre Services To provide community based support services for elders and their carers  District Elderly Community Centre  Neighbourhood Elderly Centre  Social Centre for the Elderly Provide recreational and educational activities, carer support, individual counseling, volunteer service, personal support (e.g. elderly canteen, laundry. Etc.)

17. Support Team for the Elderly Attached in district elderly community centre To reach out to single and needy elderly and provide them with social networking and support service; encourage volunteers to visit and assist single elderly.

18. The Neighbourhood Advice-action Council

19. Our Agency A non-governmental organization with 43 years history With the tenet of “Love Thy Neighbours as Thy Self”, we serve the most underprivileged groups in our local community and neighbouring provinces in Mainland China

20. Development of our agency 1968: Founded - The 1967 riot in Hong Kong revealed hidden social conflicts in the colony. - NAAC was founded by a group of local volunteers to help those underprivileged social groups.

21. Development of our agency 1968 -1972: Consultation and Counseling - Establishment of “Neighbourhood Centres” in deprived districts like rural, squatter and temporary housing areas. - Provide information about education, employment, housing and legal service, etc. to residents - Communicate community needs to the government (e.g. social survey)

22. Development of our agency 1973-1981: Community Development - Subsidized by the government, community service teams were established to foster community development in deprived areas - Focusing on self-help and mutual help, example: self-help groups, community issues concern groups - Relying on professional social workers rather than volunteers

23. Development of our agency 1981- Now: Extension of Services - To meet the emerging social needs with great variety, our agency has been extending our services to different scopes like: children & youth services, family services, rehabilitation services and elderly services, employment services and social enterprises, etc.

24. Our agency nowadays Major Funding Sources in the year of 2008-09Amount (HK$) Social Welfare Department170,451,183 Housing Society & Building Department1,665,545 Education Bureau1,024,152 Community Chest of Hong Kong943,526 Donations8,374,445 No. of service units: 92 No. of staff: Over 1,000

25. Elderly services of our agency District Elderly Community Centres: 3 Neighbourhood Elderly Centres: 5 Eldery Social Centres: 3 Integrated Help Service Teams:4 Day Care Centres for the elderly3 Elderly Hostel1 Supportive Service to subsidized housing for the elderly1

26. Highlight of our special project Hidden Elderly Services A subsidized project by the government By means of outreaching and collaboration with other organizations (e.g. Housing Department, residents’ organization), we try to contact and provide service to those “unmotivated” elderly living alone

27. Highlight of our services Special Projects of Psychogeriatric Services Cooperating with psychiatric hospital, social workers will receive referral in the community and conduct preliminary assessment on suspected dementia and depression cases Joint projects with local universities to develop board game / online game for those elders with mild cognitive impairment

28. Highlight of our services Elderly Community College Encourage elders to gain satisfaction through continuous learning Faculties: - Arts (e.g. Chinese words and Mandarin, etc.) - Sports & Art (dancing, singing, etc.) - Social Sciences (e.g. social service, interpersonal relationship, etc. ) - Information Technology (e.g. internet, software application, Chinese characters inputting) - Health (e.g. nutrition, massage, etc.)

29. Highlight of our services Service in subsidized housing estate A special project funded by Housing Society which provide quality subsidized housing for the elderly A service team is established in the estate to run a small centre and provides regular activities like social group, interest classes and concern visits by volunteers