Kai Tak helper murder case; social worker flags earlier intervention

A foreign domestic helper at Tak Long Estate in Kai Tak allegedly assaulted her 93-year-old employer to death.

A social worker said for elderly with chronic illnesses, living in a residential care facility may be a better option.

The 93-year-old elderly resident at Tak Long Estate was allegedly beaten to death by her 52-year-old domestic helper of three years.

The Social Welfare Department said the elderly victim was not a case that required active follow-up, but understood that a social worker had previously assisted her in applying for financial aid. A social worker said if the victim's physical condition appeared acceptable and she was not in an "elderly caring for elderly" household, the case might not be deemed high-risk at the time.

On the helper's motive, police say it may have stemmed from long-standing friction with the employer and work exhaustion.

Ted Liu, a community organiser with the Society for Community Organization or SoCO said not every foreign domestic helper has the necessary caregiving skills. He said chronic illnesses, a history of stroke and being bedridden -- when all these factors combined, moving to a residential care home might better fit the elderly's needs. He added that if social workers notice abnormalities in a family such as the elderly's injuries or observing conflicts between the helper and the senior, more timely support, including emergency accommodation, might have been given. He also stressed that even when seniors are looked after by domestic helpers, family members must still show them care and attention.