Cafe role-play helps to bring back memories for elderly Hong Kong care home residents with dementia
- H.K.S.K.H. Li Ka Shing Care and Attention Home for the Elderly in Shek Kip Mei launched first-of-its-kind cognitive training project on Tuesday
- Residents take orders, cook food and serve customers, with occupational therapist behind programme saying she was inspired by Japan’s memory cafes
The tempting aroma of warm pineapple buns wafts through the air as attentive waiters in crisp white uniforms serve Hong Kong-style milk tea ordered from vintage menus – welcome to Shing Kee Cafe, a food spot with a difference.
The cafe is on the porch of a Hong Kong care home and its elderly staff all have dementia.
H.K.S.K.H. Li Ka Shing Care and Attention Home for the Elderly in Shek Kip Mei launched the first-of-its-kind cognitive training project on Tuesday to support its elderly residents with dementia.
In 2017, 100,000 elderly residents above the age of 60 had dementia in Hong Kong, with authorities estimating the figure could pass 300,000 in 2039 amid the city’s fast-greying population.
Research by the Chinese University of Hong Kong in 2021 found the prevalence rate of dementia to be 5 per cent for people aged 60 and above, and as high as 47.5 per cent for those aged 85 and above.
Shing Kee Cafe, which has three tables, is only open to care home residents for the time being.
As care home workers slowly wheeled residents to the porch, eight cafe “staff” rolled up their sleeves to welcome their first batch of patrons.