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care for the
the elderly
*
Question NO.1
TO A QUESTION ASKED BY THE HON. LIT LIT FOR IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON WEDNESDAY, 13 JAN
4. Mr. LU asked (in Cantonese):
JANUARY 1998
In view of the increasing number of old people in Hong Kong and the ensuing increase in old people who need home care, will Government inform this Council whether it will look into the pressure and needs of the caretakers who provide home care to the elderly and then help them solve their problems?
SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE:
Sir,
le.
social workers are very conscious of the fact that
elderly people who are being looked after at home can create
certain pressures and difficulties, such as physical or
emotional strain, for those members of the household
this.
who provide such care.
sue:
In assessing the needs of an elderly
person who lives with the family, a social worker has to
study all the family circumstances, including its resources
and what problems will be met by the people in the household
who provide the care. The social worker will then try as
far as possible to ameliorate or resolve these problems.
The help given may take the form of moral support, the
provision of community support services such as home help,
or services provided by day care centres, multi-service
centres or social centres for the elderly. Where
necessary, cash assistance can also be provided,
through