Lee Lan, 87, wants to see her Down's syndrome son safe in a care home

At 87, Lee Lan's biggest wish is to see her son safe in a government-subsided care home for disabled people.

In poor health herself, Lee wants to know 45-year-old Chan Chi-bun will be safe and secure when she isn't there to help him. But after almost a decade on a waiting list, the future of her son, who has Down's syndrome, continues to prey on her mind.

"I worry every day. It would greatly ease my mind to see my son in a good home, and I can visit him to make sure he's treated well while I still can," she said.

The mother and son applied for a care home space in 2004. Before that, Chan lived in dormitories for the disabled when he was working, first at Maxim's and then at a shelter for the disabled.

He was transferred to a government-subsidised care home when his health deteriorated, but he was severely bullied there and suffered a bad head injury. Chan still has to wear a helmet when he goes out, because of the mental trauma from that experience.

After surgery to remove blood clots from his head, Chan was no longer able to perform even simple daily tasks such as cooking rice and showering himself as he used to, Lee said.