Impact of Giving

With the support of a generous donor (anonymous) and the Research Matching Grant from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, Lingnan University’s Asia-Pacific Institute of Ageing Studies (APIAS) established the “Thanksgiving Research Fund for Ageing” in 2020 to implement the “Care for Carers: Intergenerational Services and Research Project” (“the Project”). The Project aims to train Lingnan student ambassadors to engage in research focused on understanding the challenges faced by caregivers of elderly individuals with chronic illnesses and physical and mental disabilities, and seeks to raise public awareness of carers’ needs, promote policy development, and create a profound impact on the Hong Kong community.

Prof Dickson Chan, Director of APIAS, said, “The Project offers invaluable insights to students and the general public into the mental, physical, and financial pressures faced by carers, fostering greater appreciation for the efforts they make in caring for their sick family members. The Project also consolidates useful materials, including a carers’ information guide, and proposes concrete policy measures and service recommendations, hoping to engage diverse stakeholders in supporting carers and their families, ultimately contributing to building a more compassionate society in Hong Kong.”

Between 2020 and 2022, the Project team organised a series of seminars and home visits for carers, with Lingnan student ambassadors actively involved in interviews, data analysis, and report writing, serving as a bridge connecting the academia and the community. Tiki Lui, a student ambassador majoring in Cultural Studies, reflected, “The home visit experience gave me a deeper understanding of the daily pressures faced by carers. They shoulder long-term daily care responsibilities, and often experience physical and mental exhaustion. Many even hesitate to seek help for fear of burdening others. Their neglected efforts deepened my empathy and made me realise that support must go beyond verbal encouragement or occasional visits. Instead, it requires clear information, practical resources, and strong community connections to assure carers that they are not alone.”

The 2021 research report, “Study on the Needs and Social Support of Caregivers for People with Dementia”, was widely distributed to social welfare organisations and had nearly 7,000 online views and downloads, reflecting strong demand for reliable information and resources for carers.

Building on this momentum, APIAS published the “Caregiver's Practical Information Handbook” in 2023 and hosted a book launch cum Public Forum on Service Information for Informal Carers, drawing nearly 200 participants, including government officials, academics, and representatives from the social welfare sector. The event facilitated meaningful cross-sector dialogue on carers’ support. Elderly carer, Ms Law Yin-lan, said, “This handbook consolidates a wide range of useful information, making it much easier for carers like me to find support and relieve stress.”

In March 2026, the Project released the “Carer Guide 2026”, which offers practical information on daily caregiving and residential care services to help elderly individuals in making a smooth transition from hospital to community living. The upcoming publication “Carers’ Policies in East Asia: Challenges, Responses and Well-being”, scheduled for release in August 2026, will provide a comprehensive comparative analysis of carers’ policies across Asia, and propose recommendations for policy development.

Looking ahead, the Project team will continue to advance research and service initiatives that promote social inclusion and drive positive change in elderly care throughout Hong Kong and the Asia-Pacific region. With enhanced resources and growing community support, the Project is poised to make an even greater impact, contributing to a brighter and more inclusive future for all.