‘Carers of our elderly need more support’

Head of advisory body raises concerns about rising stress levels after recent tragedies

Training and support should be stepped up for carers of the elderly struggling to cope, the head of an advisory body said after a suspected murder-suicide attempt last month brought the issue back into the spotlight.

Dr Donald Li Kwok-tung, chairman of the Elderly Commission, said promotion efforts needed ramping up to combat the taboo against carers seeking help.

“We know that there are many difficulties for carers looking after the elderly. We have resources that can help you. You could speak to someone on a hotline, there are also volunteer organisations who would provide training,” he said. “There are also daytime respite services for the elderly to give carers a breather.”

Li also stressed the importance of training care workers brought in from overseas, while authorities needed to better promote all available resources, such as using doctors and social workers.

“How does one observe issues with the elderly? There is simple training or even one-day courses for helpers to spot whether there are issues,” he said.

“It’s very important to pay attention to [the elderly’s] emotions as well.”

Publicity efforts should highlight that effective care for seniors was a universal issue affecting people regardless of their income or background, Li said.

Last month, an 84-year-old dementia sufferer was found dead with tape over his nose and mouth at his home on Beacon Hill, Kowloon Tong. His injured and unconscious wife was found next to him at the scene.

Police arrested the 71-year-old woman over the suspected murder-suicide attempt.

The force at the time said she had become concerned about being unable to care for him.

In January, an 80-year-old man died in an alleged murder-suicide attempt at Shek Mun MTR station. His disabled wife, who has dementia, survived.

Staff found them inside a bathroom with their heads covered by plastic bags tied with strings.

A police source said the man was believed to have put the bag over his wife’s head before doing the same to himself.

Such tragedies have prompted concerns about the well-being of elderly residents and their carers.

Experts have estimated that 1.3 million carers are under significant stress, with authorities offering limited support and lacking tailored policies as the city grapples with a rapidly ageing population.