Support and home respite for hidden caregivers in Tai Po
Official title: Tai Po Hidden Carers Support and Home-Based Respite Project
Run by The University of Hong Kong · NCT07004855 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project will try tailored support and home-based respite for people caring for older adults who aren’t getting outside help to see if their wellbeing and social connections improve.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 380 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | The University of Hong Kong Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Hong Kong and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | July 1, 2025 |
| Main results expected | June 30, 2028 |
| Study ends | June 30, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | May 6, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07004855 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal participants are community-dwelling caregivers who provide ADL/IADL assistance to at least one older adult (age 60+), are not currently using respite services, can communicate in Cantonese, English, or Mandarin, and can provide informed consent.
✕Probably not a fit
Caregivers whose care recipients do not live in the community, those already receiving respite services, or those with needs beyond the program's available supports may not receive benefit from this project.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
The program screens caregivers and care recipients at baseline for physical health, mental wellbeing, social engagement, and functional ability. Caregivers are triaged into four need levels (low, mild, moderate, high) and receive corresponding services: case follow-up, phone check-ins, up to 30 hours of home respite within six months, or professional counselling. Services are delivered through the University of Hong Kong and outcomes are re-measured at the end of the service period or six months after baseline. Comparing pre- and post-intervention measures will show whether the tailored support changes caregiver mental health and social connectedness.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, caregivers could experience improved mental wellbeing, stronger social connections, and reduced caregiving burden through needs-based support and respite.
How similar studies have gone: Prior caregiver-support and respite programs have shown modest improvements in caregiver stress and wellbeing, so this tailored triage approach builds on some positive but variable evidence.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Provide ADL/IADL assistance to at least one older adult (aged 60+), * Not currently using any types of respite service, * Able to communicate in either Cantonese, English or Mandarin * Voluntarily participate Exclusion Criteria: * The care recipient is not living in the community
Where it's running
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University of Hong Kong
Hong Kong, Hong Kong Recruiting -
University of Hong Kong
Hong Kong, Hong Kong Not yet recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Vivian Weiqun Lou
- Email: wlou@hku.hk
- Phone: 85239174835
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.