Informal caring networks among Chinese elderly with disabilities in Hong Kong.

Community care has been a major guiding policy in developing services for the elderly in Hong Kong. It has been assumed that Chinese families tend to have a large caring network to render care in the community. However, in a survey conducted in early 1991, it was found that such caring networks for disabled elderly people were very small and inconsequential. Quite a high proportion of Chinese disabled elderly are living alone in the community, and have a small network for emotional support. Effective measures to promote family care of disabled elderly people are discussed. Two pathways for integrating the formal and informal care sectors are examined in relation to promoting effective practice for the frail elderly living in the community.