HKCSS “Youth Internship in Caring Profession for a Brighter Future” Project

Sharing by Valerie Pun
(Year-4 student of BSc (Hons) in OT programme)

The shortage of manpower in residential care homes for the elderly and persons with physical disabilities in Hong Kong has been a long-term problem. The fifth wave of COVID-19 has further worsened the situation. As a year-4 OT student at PolyU, HKCSS’s “健康專業專上學生院舍工作計劃” is a great opportunity for me to fulfill my social responsibility by contributing my professional services to society. I am keen to use my professional knowledge and skills to provide appropriate treatments for the service users at these facilities, thereby improving their quality of life. I have also benefited a lot from my participation in the programme. Not only have I gained a better understanding of the role of occupational therapists at a residential care home, but I have also learned the way in which different professionals communicate and collaborate with each other, which was a valuable experience. I would like to thank RS of PolyU for their help and support, which enabled me to give back to society during this “extraordinary” period and apply what I have learnt to help those in need to lead a more meaningful life.