Evaluation of day care services for demented clients in Hong Kong

Abstract

Background. A survey was conducted to investigate the usage pattern of day care centres for the elderly by demented clients and the difficulties perceived by staff in caring for them. Methods. In-charge persons of 59 government day care centres in Hong Kong were asked to fill out a self-administered questionnaire about the composition of day care users and the difficulties perceived by staff in caring for demented clients. Results. 55 of the 59 persons responded. 98% of the respondents reported that demented clients with good mobility were very or quite difficult to take care of, compared to non-demented physically disabled clients. The main perceived hindrances were manpower shortage (54.5%) and insufficient space (20%). Conclusion. With the ageing population, day care services are in great demand in Hong Kong. Future development of day care services should take into account issues of manpower shortage and insufficient space.