Joint study by Lingnan and CUHK scholars addresses subdivided unit carers’ well-being

Unpaid domestic work has long been overlooked, and even though caregiver issues have aroused public attention in recent years, society’s understanding of the living conditions and mental health of caregivers from different background remains limited, particularly in regard to the situation and needs of caregivers who live in subdivided flats.

Prof Ruby Lai Yuen-shan, Assistant Professor of the Department of Sociology and Social Policy at Lingnan University, and Prof Crystal Chan Ying, Research Assistant Professor of The Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care at The Chinese University of Hong Kong, collaborated with a support alliance for subdivided households (劏房支援連線), interviewing 317 subdivided unit caregivers between October 2023 and April 2024 on their mental health and life satisfaction.

The survey results showed that the average duration of caregiving was 9.1 years, with over 70 per cent of caregivers providing care alone. The average face-to-face caregiving time on weekdays was 11.0 hours, which increased to 17.6 hours on weekends.

The study also analysed the impact of housing conditions and space on individual mental health and family relationships. A majority of over 90 per cent of respondents feel that their place of residence lacks sufficient space, while others are unhappy about air ventilation, indoor temperature, hygiene, and safety.

Carers’ mental health was then assessed by measuring their caregiving burden, as well as clinical depression and anxiety risks. Through an anxiety level questionnaire, the study found that 20.5 per cent of caregivers exhibited symptoms of anxiety.

The research team suggests that policymakers consider regularising the existing Cash Allowance Trial Scheme, and renewing the Assistance Programme to Improve the Living Environment of Low-income Subdivided Unit Households in order to strengthen home assistance for subdivided unit caregivers.

In addition to introducing Community Living Rooms for daily needs and social activities, to improve grass-roots’ quality of life, subsidising district support groups to create a community living space with social bonds, and mutual caring and sharing is also a possibility according to the researchers.

Other policy recommendations included establishing minimum standards of subdivided units for liveable and caregiving environments, and expanding the definition of caregivers to comprehensively support the needs of subdivided flat caregivers.

Please click HERE to view the summary of the study (only available in Chinese).