Caring for Chronic Patients

Here you can learn about the information and services the Government provides for people with chronic illnesses and their carers.

Knowing about the Diseases

According to the World Health Organization, chronic diseases are diseases of long duration and generally slow progression. Examples of common chronic diseases include hypertension, heart disease, stroke, cancer, chronic respiratory diseases, diabetes and mental illness. It is best to know more about the diseases no matter you are a patient or a patient’s carer.

Common chronic diseases among the elderlyAll you need to know about asthma

Tips on Caring for Chronic Patients

The following links take you to practical information and self-help kit on how to care for people with different chronic illnesses.

Carer’s Corner of Elderly Health ServicesSelf-help kit from Elderly Health Services (available in Chinese only)

Support Services

The Social Welfare Department provides a wide range of community support services and rehabilitation services for people with chronic diseases. There are also self-help organisations where members with similar problems share experiences and support each other.

Community Support Services for persons with disabilities (including people with chronic illness)Self-help organisations of people with chronic illnessParents / Relatives Resource Centre

Financial Support

The Social Security Allowance (SSA) Scheme provides monthly allowance to citizens who are severely disabled or who are 65 years old or above with special needs arising from disability or old age. You can refer to the following link for more details.

More on SSA

Emotional Support for Carers

Since chronic patients require constant care and support, a carer may stretch themselves too far in their care-giving roles and suffer from a burnout. Therefore, you should learn to manage your stress and address your own needs. Seek help when you suspect you are in emotional distress.

Stress management of carersMore on mental healthClinical psychological services

Equal Opportunities

Under the Disability Discrimination Ordinance, people with chronic illness and their carers should not be discriminated against, harassed or vilified on the ground of the patients’ disability. You can learn about your rights through the following link.

The Disability Discrimination Ordinance and people with a chronic illness
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Last review date: February 2024