Free Government Training for Foreign Domestic Helpers
Many families in Hong Kong hire foreign domestic helpers not only for housework, but also to take care of elderly family members or people with special needs. However, caring for elderly or disabled persons requires proper knowledge and skills. Experience alone may not be enough.
In fact, the government has launched free training programmes specially for foreign domestic helpers. These programmes help improve their caregiving skills and reduce the pressure on employers. This article explains the training programmes in detail and reminds employers of the importance of having proper helper insurance to protect both the family and the helper.
What training programmes does the government provide?
Since 2018, the Social Welfare Department has launched the Pilot Scheme on Training for Foreign Domestic Helpers in Elderly Care to improve helpers’ skills in caring for frail elderly people.
From October 2023, another programme was introduced the Pilot Scheme on Training for Foreign Domestic Helpers in Caring for Persons with Disabilities to enhance helpers’ knowledge and practical skills in disability care.
Both programmes are available in all 18 districts in Hong Kong and are run by district centres under non-government organizations. The courses are completely free. Employers and helpers can contact the relevant centres directly for details and enrolment.
Who can join the programmes?
Foreign domestic helpers who are already employed and are currently, or will soon be, responsible for caring for elderly or disabled persons
Helpers must have recommendation or consent from their employer
Employers must have already purchased Employees’ Compensation Insurance for the helper, as required by law
What do the courses cover?
Core course (about 12 hours) includes:
Helping elderly people with eating and taking medication
Fall prevention and basic first aid
Food hygiene and meal planning for elderly people
Common mental health issues in elderly people and warning signs
Assisting with bathing and oral care
Measuring blood pressure, body temperature, and blood sugar
Helping elderly people with limited mobility to move safely
Optional elective courses (about 1–2 hours each):
Caring for elderly people with dementia and communication skills
Handling behavioural and emotional problems
Care skills for elderly people who have had a stroke
Why is domestic helper insurance especially important?
Legal compliance
Employees’ Compensation Insurance or Domestic Helper Insurance is a basic requirement for joining government training programmes. If the insurance has expired or the coverage is insufficient, the helper may not be able to enrol.
Protection against accidents
Even with training in first aid and fall prevention, there are still risks during daily care, such as lifting frail elderly people or moving wheelchairs. Proper domestic helper insurance can cover work injury medical costs and compensation.
Safety net for the household
Training helps reduce mistakes, but accidents can still happen. If an elderly person is injured during care, or if the helper becomes ill and needs hospital treatment, insurance coverage for medical expenses, hospitalization, and third-party liability can help reduce the employer’s financial burden.
Conclusion
The government’s training programmes for elderly and disability care are very helpful. They make caregiving more professional and improve safety for elderly family members. However, good planning is not only about training. Employers should also arrange adequate foreign domestic helper insurance to ensure full protection for both the family and the helper, and to be truly prepared for unexpected situations.
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The information provided in this article is for general reference only and should not be considered as any form of advice. Our company assumes no responsibility for its use
