Survey reveals growing demand for home-based eldercare

Macau faces rising demand for home-based eldercare, with nearly half of residents aged 50 and above seeking community support services, a recent survey by the Macau Federation of Trade Unions shows.

The survey, carried out from July to November, collected 801 valid responses. Results showed that 46% of respondents reported needing community home care services, while 42% expressed interest in home-based eldercare.

Respondents pointed out affordable services, quality care, and increased availability of facilities and care slots as key concerns. Notably, 36% of participants were unaware that home-based eldercare services exist.

Lam Lon Wai of the Macau Federation of Trade Unions said home care services have been in short supply in recent years.

He suggested the government expand medical resource distribution and collaborate with community organizations to provide home-based care for chronic and long-term patients.

The lawmaker stressed that many elderly patients have chronic but non-urgent conditions, meaning they could benefit from nearby community services rather than traveling long distances to hospitals. He also further called for community-based healthcare to be expanded alongside government planning and recommended establishing a comprehensive cost-of-living index for elderly residents to better align policies with their financial needs.