Hong Kong has launched a new initiative to improve end-of-life care for persons with disabilities. Backed by a HK$290 million donation from the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, the five-year project aims to support thousands of persons with physical or intellectual disabilities.
Named the “Jockey Club End-of-Life Community Care Project: Unison,” (JCECC: Unison) the scheme expands on a 2016 program that focused primarily on elderly care. This new phase broadens the scope to include persons with disabilities and those recovering from Mental health issue —groups that often face gaps in end-of-life support.
According to the Hong Kong Census and Statistics Department, there are over 530,000 persons with disabilities in Hong Kong, including those with physical disability or in mental recovery. About 70% of them are aged over 50. The city is also home to an estimated 77,000 to 90,000 persons with intellectual disabilities. However, palliative and end-of-life care for persons with disabilities remains underdeveloped both locally and globally.
The project will offer home and community-based services, including symptom relief, psychological support, caregiver training, and help with advance care planning. Organizers expect to reach over 7,000 individuals and train more than 14,000 healthcare and social service professionals.
The initiative brings together several major partners, including the University of Hong Kong, Chinese University, Caritas, and the Hong Chi Association. It also includes public outreach to raise awareness of end-of-life issues often overlooked in mainstream healthcare.
