Survey reveals carers lack end-of-life preparedness
發佈日期: 2025-11-02 21:57
TVB News
In recent years, Hong Kong has experienced multiple tragic cases involving caregivers.
A recent survey found that many caregivers feel unprepared to handle the needs of terminally ill patients or the loved ones of the deceased, with experts recommending more life and death education in the city.
Commissioned by the Hong Kong Council of Social Service, Social Policy Research Limited polled more than 300 caregivers over the phone in June.
The respondents took care of seniors aged 65 or above or those with chronic diseases, physical disabilities or mental health conditions.
Nearly one-third of them work full-time and 60 percent of them are considered high-burden caregivers, spending an average of 42 hours per week caring for patients.
More than 40 percent reported fatigue, long-term insomnia or other health issues.
The survey is also the first in Hong Kong to examine caregivers' competence on end-of-life care, funeral arrangements and community support.
The average result is an unsatisfactory 4.97 out of 10 for such competence.
The Hong Kong Council of Social Service says doctors may ask caregivers to decide whether to continue treatment or terminate their life support, citing the patients' condition and potential suffering.
Caregivers often feel stressed over the decision, with some worrying that their loved ones did not specify funeral arrangements such as sea burial or cremation.
Apart from urging the government to promote eldercare tech to improve basic home care capabilities, the group also calls on more end-of-life education, an issue that was highlighted as a result of the popular and critically acclaimed movie "The Last Dance", -- so as to ensure fewer regrets in the patients' final days.
