The Fear of Old Age

The government keeps reminding us that by 2040, about one in every three people in Hong Kong will be an elderly person. Will you be one of them?

I celebrated my birthday a few weeks ago, and I can't help wondering how I'll live out my old age. I'm sure that thought also crosses your mind!

Mio Ngan learned to care for the
elderly

In Hong Kong, unlike Australia, the U.K. and other countries, most elderly parents are looked after by their children or their immediate family members. But due to our busy lifestyle here, the elderly may be left unattended or sent to old age homes. The need for quality caregivers has therefore risen dramatically.

This is where CA's services play a vital role. We help bring together people like Leong Mio Ngan, who loves being in a nurturing role, and those who need to be nurtured.

Inspired by the close relationship she developed while taking care of her husband's grandmother, Mio Ngan chose this profession. After working in Macau at a home for the aged, she moved to Hong Kong and looked for work as a home health caregiver, which allowed for flexible working hours so that she could care for her own family. Despite her extensive work experience in Macau, employers here wanted to see her certification. Mio Ngan was at a crossroad.

When she heard about CA's training services, she immediately enrolled and eventually received a certificate in home-stay health care. The course enriched her understanding of her responsibilities as a health care giver. Mio Ngan has been working as a home health caregiver ever since!

Apart from attending to their daily personal care such as bathing, changing diapers, and cleaning wounds, Mio Ngan is also able to care for the psychological needs of the elderly. To many people, taking care of the aged might be a disgusting and difficult task, but her sound advice is, "Do it wholeheartedly, and it will be stress-free." She said she alternates between fulfillment and sadness as she serves people during their last days. You and I will one day need such care!

Mio Ngan offers more than just care; she gives love! I'm so glad that CA has played a small part in Leong Mio Ngan's BIG role!