Employment agency chief urges closer ties after Kai Tak elder death
The Hong Kong Union of Employment Agencies has urged employers to communicate more closely with agencies to manage caregiving stress, following the alleged murder of a 93-year-old woman at Tak Long Estate in Kai Tak. Chairman Thomas Chan Tung-fung called abuse intolerable and highlighted communicati
The Hong Kong Union of Employment Agencies has called on employers to maintain closer communication with employment agencies to help manage caregiving stress, following the alleged murder of a 93-year-old woman at Tak Long Estate in Kai Tak.
Association chairman Thomas Chan Tung-fung expressed shock and anger over the incident, emphasising that abuse and physical violence are completely intolerable. Speaking on a radio programme, Chan noted that friction between domestic helpers and elderly care recipients often stems from communication barriers, exhaustion, and a lack of patience.
He added that agencies typically issue severe warnings upon detecting initial signs of physical abuse. While many households utilise home surveillance cameras, Chan advised employers to actively liaise with agencies so that professionals can intervene, communicate with helpers, and alleviate their pressure.
Chan pointed out that a significant number of domestic workers proactively approach their agencies when facing difficulties at work. The union's appeal comes as the case of the 93-year-old woman, who died in an alleged murder, has drawn public attention to the welfare of elderly residents and the challenges faced by caregivers in Hong Kong.
The incident at Tak Long Estate has prompted discussions about the support available to both domestic helpers and the families they serve, with the union urging a more collaborative approach to prevent similar tragedies.
