Hong Kong community care teams have exceeded targets for home visits: minister
- Alice Mak recognises efforts after two elderly residents found dead in flat, but concern group says some volunteers did not enter homes
Community care teams tasked by the Hong Kong government with helping needy households have exceeded their targets of family visits, the home affairs chief has said, as authorities revealed that volunteers had reached out to over 3,600 elderly residents and carers since March.
But a concern group and a lawmaker called for more professional training for volunteers, citing how some team members did not even enter flats during home visits.
A source earlier told the Post the man’s death was likely to be accidental, while the mother who suffered from illnesses died later after she was left uncared for.
Mak said community teams were tasked with creating a caring and inclusive culture, which included checking in with residents in need.
“Each community team has a target to meet. They have to visit and serve families, residents, and the people in need in the district,” she told the press after an event.