In Hong Kong, inadequate housing conditions have long been a severe social issue, particularly for those burdened with caregiving responsibilities, for whom the challenge is even greater. Recent survey data has revealed a concerning reality: Among the caregivers, as many as 20 percent had exhibited symptoms of depression and anxiety. This figure not only reflects the psychological stress they face but also highlights the impact of poor living conditions on mental health.
This survey, jointly conducted by Lingnan University, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, and the Partitioned Flat Support Network, interviewed 317 caregivers living in partitioned flats between last October and April this year. It found that the majority of these caregivers are women, predominantly aged from 40 to 49. Thirty-three percent are divorced or separated, and on average, each cares for two family members, with 92 percent of the care recipients being children. These statistics reveal an undeniable fact: The needs and well-being of caregivers themselves are often overlooked while they provide care for family members.
The findings point to an urgent issue that needs attention: the connection between caregivers’ living environments and their mental health. Caregivers not only bear the responsibility of looking after family members but also face additional labor because of the poor conditions in partitioned flats. For example, caregivers without a fixed cooking space must set up temporary cooking platforms and immediately clear them after meals to free up space. The extra labor demand adds to caregivers’ everyday stress, imposing an additional burden on their mental health. Some caregivers even have to deal with emergencies like water leaks at night, severely affecting their rest and quality of life.
These analyses reveal the pressures faced by caregivers in partitioned flats in their daily lives and emphasize the importance of improving housing conditions to enhance their quality of life and mental health. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government and society need to work together to provide more support and resources for these caregivers.
The government currently offers a cash subsidy pilot project, a three-year program aimed at alleviating the living difficulties faced by grassroots families because of the long waiting time for public rental housing. According to the latest information, despite calls for the program to be made permanent, the government is initially inclined not to turn it into a permanent project. The government also provided support through the Assistance Programme to Improve the Living Environment of Low-income Subdivided Unit Households, which aimed to improve the home environment of low-income partitioned flat occupants and strengthen their connection with community services or resources. Eligible partitioned flat occupants received a one-time noncash subsidy grant for home improvements or repairs, such as purchasing furniture or household items. Additionally, the Community Living Room program offers extra living space for partitioned flat occupants. The first community living room is already up and running in Sham Shui Po, providing shared kitchen facilities, dining areas, and common spaces for homework, interest classes, and group activities. The government encourages businesses and local organizations to participate to expand services and benefit more grassroots families.
To fundamentally enhance the quality of living environments, establish a comprehensive social support system, and focus on the mental health of caregivers, thereby improving the overall community’s quality of life, I suggest that the government implement regulations requiring partitioned flat units to meet certain living environment standards, such as having windows, ensuring good ventilation, and prohibiting adjacent kitchens and toilets, and continue to promote more Community Living Room projects. It should collaborate with nongovernmental organizations to establish a community support system covering medical, educational, employment, and social aspects. Such a system can assist families in need through home visit assessments, resource referrals, and volunteer services, and fund mental health programs specifically established for caregivers, such as providing clinical psychological treatment, counseling, psychiatric assessments, and more. Furthermore, it would be beneficial to establish support groups to enable caregivers to support each other and collectively face caregiving pressures.
In Hong Kong, there is a close link between the living environment of partitioned flat caregivers and their mental health. Improving the living conditions of these caregivers can not only enhance their quality of life but also have a positive impact on their mental health. By providing more suitable living spaces, increasing basic living facilities, and improving the overall living environment, we can help caregivers reduce stress and better cope with the challenges of daily life. We can look forward to a society that is more caring and supportive of partitioned flat caregivers, ultimately achieving a healthier and more harmonious Hong Kong. This is not only the government’s responsibility but should also be the result of the collective efforts of the entire society. Let us work together to create a better future for partitioned flat caregivers.
The author is a certified professional forensic accountant and a member of the Area Committee of Sham Shui Po Central and South of the Home Affairs Department, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.
