Dementia and Caregiver Friendly Community: The “M.E. Corner” Community Respite Model in Hong Kong
Presenter:
Johnathan Hon Wai LAM, Hong Kong Christian Service, Hong Kong
Abstract
Background:
Hong Kong’s rapidly ageing population is driving a surge in dementia cases, with numbers expected to triple by 2039. Over 70% of working caregivers report significant stress, and nearly half experience depressive symptoms or family tension. While traditional respite services exist, there is growing importance of offering more flexible, accessible options that promote choice and empowerment for caregivers. Equally vital is fostering social inclusion of older adults with dementia, enabling them to remain engaged within their communities.
Objectives:
This paper aims to showcase the “M.E. Corner”, an innovative, community-based respite model that leverages cross-sector collaboration and co-creation of supportive community spaces, transforming everyday environments into hubs of connection, respite, and inclusion, to enhance the quality of life of people with dementia and their caregivers. Rooted in social work values, the model seeks to empower caregivers, promote social inclusion, and foster dementia-friendly communities.
Methods/Practices:
The “Community Respite” model transforms off-peak hours in local restaurants and community spaces into welcoming, dementia-friendly environments. Social workers mobilize and train volunteers to lead social and cognitive activities that foster engagement for people with dementia. Restaurant owners and staff play a vital role by offering venues, and providing inclusive and supportive hospitality that normalize presence of older adults with cognitive decline. Caregivers are offered 2-3 hours of genuine rest – free from caregiving responsibilities –to relax, connect with peers, or tend to personal needs. This flexible, accessible approach is sustained through partnerships among NGOs, local businesses, and community stakeholders, reducing barriers and increasing participation among older adults and their families.
Service Outcomes (2024-2025):
The pilot model engaged 8 local restaurants as respite venues, with active involvement from restaurant owners and staff in preparing dementia-friendly spaces and fostering a welcoming environment, The project trained 26 older adult volunteers, and served 380 attendances of people with dementia and their caregivers within one year. Feedback from participants highlighted community connections, and a greater sense of ease and trust among caregivers in accessing local respite options. The model also foster an emerging culture of a sustainable age and dementia inclusivity among cross-sector partnerships.
Implications:
1. Alleviates caregiver stress and isolation by offering accessible and dignified respite opportunities in community spaces, with a focus on true rest, peace of mind and social re-connection.
2. Promotes cognitive stimulation and social engagement for older adults with dementia in familiar, stigma-free settings.
3. Engage local businesses in age- and dementia-friendly practices, encourages corporate social responsibility and sustainable business involvement.
4. Strengthens cross-sector partnerships by aligning NGOs, restaurant partners, volunteers, and community stakeholders.
5. Demonstrates a sustainable model for embedding care into everyday settings, addressing service access limitations and enhancing community readiness.
Conclusion:
The M.E. Corner model demonstrates how social work-led, cross-sector collaboration can creatively meet the rising needs of ageing societies. By integrating care and respite into ordinary community environments, e.g. neighbourhood restaurants, this approach offers a practical, replicable, innovative solution for co-creating dementia- and caregiver-friendly communities that are rooted in everyday life.
Keywords: Dementia-friendly Community / Caregiver -friendly Community / Sharing Best Practices/ Fostering Collaboration
Hong Kong’s rapidly ageing population is driving a surge in dementia cases, with numbers expected to triple by 2039. Over 70% of working caregivers report significant stress, and nearly half experience depressive symptoms or family tension. While traditional respite services exist, there is growing importance of offering more flexible, accessible options that promote choice and empowerment for caregivers. Equally vital is fostering social inclusion of older adults with dementia, enabling them to remain engaged within their communities.
Objectives:
This paper aims to showcase the “M.E. Corner”, an innovative, community-based respite model that leverages cross-sector collaboration and co-creation of supportive community spaces, transforming everyday environments into hubs of connection, respite, and inclusion, to enhance the quality of life of people with dementia and their caregivers. Rooted in social work values, the model seeks to empower caregivers, promote social inclusion, and foster dementia-friendly communities.
Methods/Practices:
The “Community Respite” model transforms off-peak hours in local restaurants and community spaces into welcoming, dementia-friendly environments. Social workers mobilize and train volunteers to lead social and cognitive activities that foster engagement for people with dementia. Restaurant owners and staff play a vital role by offering venues, and providing inclusive and supportive hospitality that normalize presence of older adults with cognitive decline. Caregivers are offered 2-3 hours of genuine rest – free from caregiving responsibilities –to relax, connect with peers, or tend to personal needs. This flexible, accessible approach is sustained through partnerships among NGOs, local businesses, and community stakeholders, reducing barriers and increasing participation among older adults and their families.
Service Outcomes (2024-2025):
The pilot model engaged 8 local restaurants as respite venues, with active involvement from restaurant owners and staff in preparing dementia-friendly spaces and fostering a welcoming environment, The project trained 26 older adult volunteers, and served 380 attendances of people with dementia and their caregivers within one year. Feedback from participants highlighted community connections, and a greater sense of ease and trust among caregivers in accessing local respite options. The model also foster an emerging culture of a sustainable age and dementia inclusivity among cross-sector partnerships.
Implications:
1. Alleviates caregiver stress and isolation by offering accessible and dignified respite opportunities in community spaces, with a focus on true rest, peace of mind and social re-connection.
2. Promotes cognitive stimulation and social engagement for older adults with dementia in familiar, stigma-free settings.
3. Engage local businesses in age- and dementia-friendly practices, encourages corporate social responsibility and sustainable business involvement.
4. Strengthens cross-sector partnerships by aligning NGOs, restaurant partners, volunteers, and community stakeholders.
5. Demonstrates a sustainable model for embedding care into everyday settings, addressing service access limitations and enhancing community readiness.
Conclusion:
The M.E. Corner model demonstrates how social work-led, cross-sector collaboration can creatively meet the rising needs of ageing societies. By integrating care and respite into ordinary community environments, e.g. neighbourhood restaurants, this approach offers a practical, replicable, innovative solution for co-creating dementia- and caregiver-friendly communities that are rooted in everyday life.
Keywords: Dementia-friendly Community / Caregiver -friendly Community / Sharing Best Practices/ Fostering Collaboration
Bio(s):
Johnathan Hon Wai LAM is the Supervisor of Bliss O’Plus at Hong Kong Christian Service. He holds a Bachelor of Social Work (Hons) and is a Registered Social Worker. He has extensive experience in elderly social services, focusing on community-based elderly care.