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The Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, visited two elderly institutions and a family in Kwun Tong today (July 19) to inspect elderly healthcare and welfare services.
Accompanied by Dr C H Leong, the Chairman of the Elderly Commission, Mr Tsang started his visit at the Yung Fung Shee Geriatric Day Hospital to see how day rehabilitation services operate for elderly patients after they are discharged from hospital.
Mr Tsang chatted with patients on physiotherapy and occupational therapy treatments in the day hospital. He said he was pleased to learn that they were satisfied with the services under the Integrated Discharge Support Trial Programme for Elderly Patients.
Medical professionals briefed Mr Tsang on the programme and the positive feedback received.
Launched in March 2008, the programme has helped elderly patients stay in the community after hospital discharge. A multi-disciplinary approach is adopted to serve the patients and their families. Such services include discharge planning, transitional rehabilitation and home care, as well as training and support for the patients' carers.
About 27,000 elderly people and their carers are expected to benefit from the pilots being carried out in three districts, including Kwun Tong.
Mr Tsang then visited an elderly couple in their home in Lam Tin. They are also beneficiaries of the programme.
The bed-ridden husband has been receiving home care services provided by a social welfare organisation immediately after he was discharged from the hospital. The family told the Chief Executive that the home-based services were very useful in easing their burden in caring for the patient.
"Integration of medical and social support can help the elderly patients recuperate and remain at home while ageing. It means a lot to them. I can speak from personal experience as I had to look after my father many years ago after he had suffered a stroke. I understand how happy elderly patients would be to be able to return home, and home-based services could be a big relief to their families," said Mr Tsang.
The last stop of the day's visit was the Yuen Yuen Nursing Home cum Day Care Centre for the elderly in Shun Lee Estate. Built by the Government, the elderly home is run by Yuen Yuen Institute, providing more than 150 subsidised residential and day care places.
The Chief Executive was briefed on the operation of the institution and the care needs of the elderly in the district. He was also introduced to elders receiving training and therapy as part of their dementia care programme.
"The well-being of the elderly is always one of the top priorities of the Government. We are committed to continuous improvement of elderly care services. I will listen to people in various fields of elderly care in preparing my next Policy Address," he said.
Ends/Monday, July 19, 2010
Issued at HKT 19:16
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