With ageing of the population, people with dementia become common. According to the research conducted by Department of Health and The Chinese University of Hong Kong, it is estimated that one of ten elder aged 65 or above is found to suffer from dementia in Hong Kong.
In 1997, The Hong Kong Jockey Club (the Club) identified the care of elderly with dementia as an area that required urgent attention. The Club saw the need not only to provide quality service to dementia elderly but also to provide training for the carers, both formal and informal. With these aims in mind, the Club initiated the concept of a centre dedicated to improving the care of this group of older persons and invited The Chinese University of Hong Kong, which has played a leading role in dementia research and training in Hong Kong to help run the Centre. The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust fund approved a total of $81.23 million for the cost of renovation, furniture and equipment of the Jockey Club Centre for Positive Ageing and the operating cost in the first three years during which the Centre will work towards self-sufficiency, to provide quality service to the elderly with dementia.
The Jockey Club Centre for Positive Ageing (JCCPA) was inaugurated in June 2000. With the integration of these services, JCCPA adopts a holistic approach and psychosocial model towards addressing the needs of the people with dementia and their caregivers in a positive, practical and pragmatic manner.