Social_Welfare_Annual_Report_1966-1967 — Page 50

Kong ought not on the face of things to be such a problem as it is else- where. It is important that the changes brought about by industraliza- tion and urbanization should not encourage any weakening in this sense of respect for the aged; but the number of old people who are without relatives in Hong Kong, or whose families lack the resources to provide for them, is certain to increase, and the welfare of aged folk is likely to become increasingly a community responsibility. (This is reflected in the consideration now being given to the practicability of introducing some basic elements of social security, such as pensions to the aged). There has never been enough room in the existing homes for the aged to accommodate all who need care. Existing accommodation for two thousand two hundred and thirty-six old people is now taken up and there are plans for further expansion. The Heung Hoi Ching Kok Lin Shea which is a Buddhist Organization, opened a home for a hundred old women in 1966. A grant of $200,000 from the Lotteries Fund was made towards the capital cost.

RECORDS

90. A list of voluntary organizations and institutions for the disabled and the aged is printed at Appendix 19, and the total registra- tions with the department in various categories of disability is at Appendix 20, where annual registrations for some past years may be compared. It is necessary to emphasize that these figures are of voluntary registration mainly by applicants for the rehabilitation and welfare services provided by this department. They include some who have been referred by outside agencies for another reason and are found to be within the definitions shown. In the cases of the blind, deaf and mentally defective the declared aim is to have a comprehensive register, but there is still insufficient staff to achieve this. The total number of Hong Kong residents within the definitions adopted for each class remains a matter for informed guess work only.

SUICIDES

91. During the year, four hundred and fifty-six attempted suicides were referred to the department for interview, most of them by the police. They were given help in facing their problems, by way of coun- selling and support in dealing with personal relationships or other social difficulties, or help to obtain work or medical treatment, or in some cases material and financial help. Slightly more women than men

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