Dementia-Friendly Public Housing in Hong Kong – A Case Study of Jat Min Chuen

Abstract

According to the World Health Organisation, dementia is a public health priority. This cognitive illness that leads to disability and dependency of others has a socio-economic impact for carers, families, communities and societies. In Hong Kong, dementia is an alarming issue – it is projected that 300,000 of the city’s population will suffer from dementia by 2039. A dementia-friendly community - which can support the prevention of dementia, alleviate its progression, and provide care and assistance for people living with dementia (PLWD) and their caregivers – is vital for Hong Kong. This study explores how Hong Kong’s high density affects the dementia-friendliness of the community. Through the case study of Jat Min Chuen in Sha Tin, this research investigates how community design in Hong Kong can be more dementia-friendly. This work examines the spatial parameters that contribute to dementia-friendliness and analyses the strengths and limitations of the existing urban design conditions of public housing estates in achieving dementia friendliness. Based on the investigation, this work proposes urban design approaches for the future development of public housing estates in Hong Kong.