Seventies Caregiver Learns to Seek Help, No Longer Fights Alone for Mother and Brother
HK01 · 1 SOURCESabout 3 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
Jieying, a Hong Kong woman in her 70s, has transformed from being cared for her entire life to becoming the sole caregiver for her 90-year-old mother and younger brother who had a stroke in his 50s. After years of silent struggle, crying hidden in street corners after visiting her brother at a private residential care home, she found hope when a friend urged her to seek help. Her case was referred to the Jockey Club Caregiver Navigation Support Programme, where social worker Ms. Ho guided her through stress management and resource connections. Today, her mother attends a day care center, her brother has improved significantly, and Jieying has reclaimed time for herself through volunteering and social activities.
Key Points
- Jieying, the eldest daughter, became caregiver after her 90-year-old mother developed dementia and got lost, followed by a fall; her brother suffered a stroke in his 50s
- Her brother was ineligible for subsidized care due to age requirements and had to be placed in a private residential home, creating significant financial burden on Jieying alone
- After years of hiding tears in street corners, a long-uncontacted friend told her "Jieying, you must find help," which opened her closed emotional window
- The Jockey Club Caregiver Navigation Support Programme, funded by the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, assigned social worker Ms. Ho who conducted needs assessment and connected her to community resources
- Her mother now attends a nearby day care center, allowing Jieying time to volunteer at a hospital pharmacy and meet friends for tea
- Jieying, who once knew nothing about cooking, now prepares meals for both her mother and brother, finding joy in this new skill
Why It Matters
This story highlights the urgent need for caregiver support services in Hong Kong's rapidly aging society, where many family caregivers silently bear immense physical and emotional burdens. The success of Jieying's journey through the Jockey Club programme demonstrates how timely intervention, emotional support, and connection to community resources can prevent caregiver burnout and improve quality of life for both caregivers and those they care for .
This story highlights the urgent need for caregiver support services in Hong Kong's rapidly aging society, where many family caregivers silently bear immense physical and emotional burdens. The success of Jieying's journey through the Jockey Club programme demonstrates how timely intervention, emotional support, and connection to community resources can prevent caregiver burnout and improve quality of life for both caregivers and those they care for .