In Hong Kong, the demand for 'dying in place' services among the elderly population is on the rise, as families seek to ensure their loved ones can pass away peacefully in care homes. Roger Wong, 78, expressed his wish for his 100-year-old mother to have a dignified end-of-life experience within her care facility [ef0e76af]. Currently, Hong Kong has over 800 care homes with a combined capacity of approximately 80,000 residents [ef0e76af].
A legal amendment passed on June 3, 2024, allows care homes to forgo reporting deaths to the Coroner’s Court under specific conditions, a move that could facilitate the implementation of dying-in-place services [ef0e76af]. However, most care homes lack the necessary resources and knowledge to effectively provide these services. Since the launch of the Jockey Club's end-of-life care project in 2016, only two cases have been recorded, highlighting a significant gap in service provision [ef0e76af].
Godfrey Ngai Shi-shing, a representative from the sector, emphasized the urgent need for training and collaboration between care homes and hospitals to improve end-of-life care [ef0e76af]. The Kiangsu Chekiang & Shanghai Residents (HK) Association Kwai Tsing Hostel has emerged as a pioneer in offering end-of-life services, showcasing a model that other facilities could emulate [ef0e76af].
Molly Chan, an advocate for elderly care, has called for increased government support to promote dying-in-place services, which are crucial for enhancing the quality of life for elderly residents [ef0e76af]. Discussions are ongoing regarding the continuation of support services beyond 2025, as stakeholders work to address the challenges faced by care homes in providing adequate end-of-life care [ef0e76af].