Grandchildren repay childhood care by supporting ailing grandparents in Hong Kong

Billy Odell Tucker-Robinson Founder & Host — Banking With Billy Network • Intelligence Network • Data Science • AI Research • World News
Published: 2026-09-08T22:40:21.935Z • Permanent link

For 10 years, Leung Chun Yin and her husband struggled to care for her elderly parents, who suffered from dementia and physical disabilities. The burden of their care weighed heavily on the couple, who had to juggle work, finances, and their own health. However, in 2019, Leung's parents were admitted to a care home in Hong Kong, and her children, who were then aged 10 and 12, stepped in to support their grandparents. The family turned to a innovative care service provided by Hong Kong-based company, Silver Care, which offers personalized care plans and in-home support for seniors.

Silver Care's innovative approach to elder care was made possible by a unique partnership between the company and the Hong Kong government. In 2018, the government launched the "Family Elder Care" program, which aimed to provide financial support and resources to families caring for their elderly relatives. The program included a range of services, including home care, respite care, and adult day care. Leung's family was able to access these services, which allowed them to balance their own work and family responsibilities while providing care for their parents.

The "Family Elder Care" program has been a game-changer for families like Leung's, who are struggling to care for their elderly relatives. According to data from the Hong Kong Council of Social Service, the number of elderly people in Hong Kong has increased by 30% over the past decade, with many families facing significant financial and emotional burdens. The program has helped to alleviate some of these pressures, allowing families to focus on providing the best possible care for their loved ones.

The growing demand for elder care in Hong Kong has significant implications for the global infrastructure domain. Companies that specialize in elder care services, such as Silver Care, are experiencing rapid growth and expansion. In fact, a recent report by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council found that the elder care industry in Hong Kong is expected to grow by 20% over the next five years, driven by an aging population and increasing demand for care services. This growth presents opportunities for companies that can provide innovative and effective care solutions, but also poses challenges for those that are not well-positioned to meet the demand.

The "Family Elder Care" program has also highlighted the need for policymakers to prioritize elder care as a critical component of social infrastructure. Research by the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology found that elder care can have a significant impact on the economic and social well-being of families, particularly those with multiple dependents. By investing in elder care programs like the "Family Elder Care" initiative, policymakers can help to reduce the financial and emotional burdens on families and promote healthier aging populations.

The growing demand for elder care in Hong Kong is part of a broader global trend. According to data from the World Health Organization, the number of people aged 65 and older is expected to increase by 150% over the next two decades, with many countries facing significant challenges in providing adequate care and support for their aging populations. In response, governments and private companies are investing heavily in elder care infrastructure, including home care services, adult day care, and long-term care facilities.