Spread happiness to those having to care
Hong Kong’s Covid-19 restrictions were lifted more than a year ago, but for many the impact of the pandemic is still being felt. A survey published last week showed happiness levels among Hong Kong families had dipped slightly compared to 2022. The Hong Kong Welfare Society polled more than 2,000 people and recorded a well-being score of 6.06, compared to 6.10 two years ago and 6.31 in 2019. One key issue to arise was the plight of those caring for sick, disabled or elderly family members. Their well-being rating was much lower than those not faced with such responsibilities. An estimated 260,000 carers were, themselves, elderly.
There have, sadly, been tragedies involving people facing such challenges. This week, a 58-year-old woman and her mentally disabled son were found dead in a suspected murder-suicide. She had been caring for him for 20 years and had a heart problem.
Another survey unveiled in March, by HK.WeCARE, a concern group, showed the general happiness level among families to be the lowest for six years. The biggest year-on-year drop was among those aged 65 or over. Again, the difficulties faced by carers were highlighted. Also, many older people have been left with less support as a result of family members leaving Hong Kong in recent years.
More help is required for families, especially those with carers. There is a need to identify people at high risk to ensure they receive assistance and counselling, in a bid to prevent further tragedies.
A 24-hour hotline for carers, set up in September, has received more than 20,000 calls, while a designated government website recorded over 350,000 hits since its launch in November. A pilot scheme has seen community care teams reach out to households in Tsuen Wan and Southern district. But these measures need to be followed up with broader efforts to provide carers and families in need with longer term support, ensuring they have adequate networks and facilities through which to connect with the community. Hong Kong is making progress in its long recovery from the pandemic and, with continued effort, happier times will lie ahead. Meanwhile, help must be given to those who still find it difficult to see light at the end of the tunnel.