An exploratory study on utilisation pattern and costs of aged care in Hong Kong: implications for formal care in the community

Abstract

SUMMARY: This paper explores the aged care utilisation patterns among elderly people in Hong Kong, and the relationship between the cost of aged care and the health of respondents. 450 persons aged 65 and above residing in public housing estates in the Southem District of Hong Kong Island were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. In the preceding six months, community-dwelling elderly had a higher rate of utilising medical/health services than community support services. Using the standard cost of each service supplied by the relevant departments, the average cost for those who used both medical/health and community support services was higher compared to those who used medical/health services only or community support services only. Using ADLs and self-rated health to indicate the level of health of the respondents, non-linear relationships were observed between the health of respondents and the average cost of care services. The number and nature of diseases reported, other than cultural explanations and individuals’ help-seeking behaviour, may explain this ‘unconventional’ situation. To conclude, affordable and accessible formal care enables many elderly people to live independently in the community. Preventive intervention may enhance the well-being of elderly people, rendering them less dependent on expensive medical/health care. Although there are limitations to this study, the study provides a premise forfurther discussion on assessing the cost of aged care and the health of elderly people in Hong Kong.