Mental health of community-dwelling frail elders receiving long-term care services in Hong Kong

Abstract

With an increasing life expectancy and a dramatic decline in the birth rate, Hong Kong is facing a rapidly growing aging population. As of 2006, Hong Kong was home to over 850,000 people aged 65 and above (12.4%), and it is estimated that the population of people aged 65 and over will grow to be over 25% of the total population in the next 30 years. Accompanying this rise is an increase in the number of frail elderly people, who are suffering from various degrees of physical and cognitive impairment and/or chronic disease(s) and thus require support in various aspects of their daily living. At the same time, the changing of the family structure and living arrangement is weakening familial support for elderly family members. This gives rise to a need for a comprehensive Long-term-care (LTC) system that can provide holistic support to these frail elderly people, both physically and mentally, as to maintain their overall well-being as they age. This chapter aims to review community-based long-term care services for frail elders in Hong Kong and the overall mental health of service recipients. Emphasis will be put on mental health status, risk factors and service implications.