Themed Pavilion held at GIES 2020 with Enthusiastic Response

2020.12.17

Jointly hosted by the HKSAR Government and the Hong Kong Council of Social Service, and co-organised with the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation, the Gerontech and Innovation Expo cum Summit (GIES) was successfully held between 18 and 22 November 2020 at Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. Jockey Club “age at home” Gerontech Education and Rental Service staged its themed pavilion attracting many participants to visit and took the precious opportunity to introduce the pilot project to the public.

The pavilion brought the essence of the Project to the visitors - occupational therapists demonstrated how to help elders choose suitable gerontech equipment at the tailor-made assessment room, showcased the hospital bed assembly and introduced the wheelchair washing machine from Japan. Sharing sessions by Care Equipment Counsellors (CEC) were conducted for the visitors to learn more about this brand new job type and their working experience.

To enhance understanding on our service among general public, “The Development of Gerontech Rental Service in Hong Kong” workshop was also held on 20 November with about 500 participants joining online. In the workshop, representatives of four partners in the Project had in-depth discussion on how the Project contributes to the future development of long-term care services and the strategy for the gerontech rental service development in Hong Kong. Participants actively participated in the Q&A session with valuable advice and comments.

The CEC Graduation Ceremony cum Sharing Session was held on the last day of the Expo. Witnessed by family members, friends and representatives of operators, 11 CEC received their certificate and embarked on their mission to serve all elders and carers who are in need and eligible for gerontech education, rental, cleaning and maintenance service.

From the results of the onsite survey, over 90% of interviewees commented members of project staff had enhanced their knowledge in gerontechnology and over 95% of them said they would recommend the service to friends and family members. Some of the visitors also praised the project for its one-stop service and the assessment with follow-up service could cater for the needs of elders, while the education service could increase the capability and confidence on ageing in place.

The project will start at the end of 2020, the public can visit the following website and follow Facebook page for more information.

Website: www.ageathome.hk
Facebook: www.facebook.com/JCAGERS