Caregiver Respite & In-Home Support Hong Kong

Jockey Club Stand-by U Caregivers Community Support Project 2.0

Project Background

In light of this, The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust allocated nearly $ 91 million HKD in 2024 to launch the ‘Jockey Club “Stand-by U” Caregivers Community Support Project’ in collaboration with The Hong Kong Association of Gerontology (HKAG), St. James’ Settlement (SJS), the Christian Family Service Centre (CFSC), the H.K.S.K.H. Lady MacLehose Centre (H.K.S.K.H. LMC), the Salvation Army (SA), and the Evangelical Lutheran Church Social Service – Hong Kong (ELCSS-HK). Volunteers and substitute caregivers will be trained by the HKAG to provide in-home respite services for the older adults, allowing caregivers to “take a break” from the heavy caregiving pressure.

In view of the rapid ageing of the population in Asia, the programme aims at promoting innovative teaching and learning in gerontology as well as contributing to the development of ageing societies like Chinese Mainland and the cultivation of leaders in elderly-related policy and aged-care services. Emphasis is placed on both theoretical and practical skills.

Details

This project aims to provide caregivers with an opportunity to take a break from the pressures of caregiving.

Eligible caregivers can use the service for up to 6 months free of charge, subject to practical situation.

For more details, please inquire with the responsible agency in your area.

Service Target

Caregivers who meet the following criteria:

Aged 18 or above

Reside in the Hong Kong community

Currently caring for one or more homebound elderly persons

Their care recipients are not receiving long-term care services

Service Objectives

To address the physical, mental, social and spiritual needs of caregivers, improve the quality of life for both caregivers and the older adults, and achieve aging in place.

Service Details

Assessing the needs of caregivers and providing different in-home respite services.

Allowing caregivers to have personal time for rest or to attend to personal matters.

Providing companionship, simple exercise, and cognitive training for the elderly.

Project Event Highlights

The event began with an opening speech by Prof. Vivian Lou, Director of the Sau Po Centre on Ageing, The University of Hong Kong. Prof. Lou provided a comprehensive introduction to the project’s services and achievements, including:

380 +

families

748 +

volunteers

4,500 +

service hours

Receiving high praise from both older adults and caregivers

Volunteers from different organizations then shared heartfelt stories about walking alongside caregivers, creating a moving atmosphere. Ms. Susan Chan, Executive Director of the Hong Kong Association of Gerontology, also delivered a speech to thank all participants for their dedication and support.

The learning sessions were equally inspiring. We invited professional speakers to host three practical workshops covering nutrition and meal preparation for older adults, coping with negative emotions, and emergency care tips for families. Through interactive learning, volunteers gained new knowledge and skills, which they can apply in their service to continue providing quality care and support to older adults and caregivers.

This event combined care and learning, benefiting all who took part. Thank you for your support, and we look forward to seeing you at our next event!