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The Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, visited the Hong Kong Jockey Club Shenzhen Society for Rehabilitation Yee Hong Heights (YHH) in Yantian, Shenzhen, today (August 3) to gain a better understanding of the care services provided to elderly residents from Hong Kong.
Mr Cheung was briefed on the various residential options for elderly people with different levels of care needs and toured the diversified facilities there. He was particularly impressed by the rehabilitation training facilities and services.
Mr Cheung took the opportunity to chat with an elderly couple aged over 80 and their daughter who had returned from overseas to visit them. He learnt from the family that the father required special care after suffering from a stroke. His wife has also suffered from a minor stroke but is recovering well under the support of the YHH.
The aged home not only provides the necessary services, but also offers short-term accommodation for the residents' family members, which helps solve problems faced by the daughter.
Two other elderly people, a man and his sister, at a lesser care level also shared with Mr Cheung why they chose to spend their retirement in the Shenzhen aged home after considering various factors including the living environment, facilities and affordability.
Mr Cheung exchanged views with the Chairman of the Hong Kong Society for Rehabilitation, Mr Benny Cheung, and other office bearers of the Society. He also presented the elderly residents with cookies.
The YHH commenced operation in 2006, with a grant of over $90 million from the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust for the construction and operation costs. It aims at providing long-term care and rehabilitation services for elderly people in frail condition or with chronic illness.
Ends/Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Issued at HKT 19:19
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