Transcript of remarks by SLW on carer support

     Following is the transcript of remarks by the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun, on carer support at a media session after officiating at the opening ceremony of the First Hong Kong Creative Aging Arts Festival this afternoon (August 8):

Reporter: In view of the tragic case yesterday, what would the Government do to improve the support system?

Secretary for Labour and Welfare: First of all, I am deeply saddened by the tragic case in Kwun Tong yesterday. Over the years, the Government has allocated resources to provide support at various levels to our elderly and the disabled, including residential care services and day care services. Recently, we have introduced a 24-hour Designated Hotline for Carer Support 182 183 for carers. If they have any needs for support, either emotional or need for respite services, they can just call 182 183 for support. We have also launched a Pilot Scheme on Supporting Elderly and Carers in two districts, Southern District and Tsuen Wan, making use of the District Services and Community Care Teams, to go around the districts and look for elderly families that are at risk. For those in need, we will provide them with services and they can make calls immediately. We will seriously consider to extend such services to other districts.

(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)