Evaluation Study on Good Neighbor - Lamma Island Elderly Service Project

According to the Hong Kong Census and Statistic Department (2021), 18.5% of Lamma Island’s residents are aged 60 or above. Despite this significant proportion, older residents and their caregivers on the island are facing challenges in accessing adequate support services. However, subsidized community support services for older people on Lamma Island are limited. The Social Welfare Department designates the District Elderly Community Centres (DECCs) in Peng Chau and Sheung Wan to serve the older people of Lamma Island. However, the absence of public transportation on the island makes it difficult for local older residents, particularly those with mobility issues, to access these services. Currently, the Joshua Church, Hong Kong Limited (JCHK) has provided limited services for older people on a self-financed basis. The gap in service provision underscores the need to develop a rural service model to meet the unique needs of this community.
Recognizing the insufficiency of support services, the JCHK seeks to expand its capabilities to address the various needs of older people and their caregivers, ensuring that the aging population of Lamma Island receives the support they require in a more accessible and sustainable manner. The evaluation study (the study) aims to contribute to the development of the first Elderly Centre on Lamma Island with an inclusive framework by adopting integrated, flexible, accessible, and sustainable solutions for service delivery in rural areas.