The development and organization of medical services for the elderly in Hong Kong

Health care of the elderly is increasingly recognized as one of the main priorities of development in most societies. Given the demographic projections, the changing socio-economic features and the increasing trend of urbanization, the ageing population definitely has become a major challenge for policy makers and health care providers. More than ten years ago, the Hong Kong Government decided that the needs of the elderly should be looked at afresh so that a more comprehensive service might be planned for this vulnerable group. Thus, a Steering Group was appointed in 1976, leading to the publication of the Programme Plan on Services for the Elderly in 1977. This report covers all aspects concerning the delivery of services for the elderly with target recommendations. On the medical side, Geriatric Medicine has developed as a more recognized Specialty. The definition of Geriatrics is not easy and the most accepted one is that put forward by the British Geriatrics Society; this is defined as a branch of General Medicine dealing with the clinical, remedial, preventive and social aspects of illnesses in old age. On the whole, the service is organized in such a way as to provide a system of "Progressive Patient Care", which involves stages of acute assessment and treatment, rehabilitation, long stay and day hospital care respectively. The concept of multi-disciplinary team approach is the essence and is much stressed in the daily practice. Teaching and training in Geriatric Medicine has also been incorporated in the curricula for medical students, nurses and other allied paramedical professions.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)