The Caregiving Research and Development Centre (CRC) at Saint Francis University was established in January 2025 with support from a RGC Institutional Development Scheme Grant. The CRC adopts an interinstitutional and interdisciplinary approach to enhance academic research, teaching, consultancy, and policy formulation in caregiving for frail elders and individuals with disabilities. The Centre focuses on the diverse needs of caregivers, examining their experiences, coping strategies, and empowerment, while considering the impact of government policies and community resources on caregiving.
The CRC will conduct investigations into caregiving policies and practices, facilitating knowledge exchange through regular conferences and workshops. Collaboration with local and international universities, practitioners, government bodies, and non-profit organizations will be essential in addressing caregiving challenges and shaping the research agenda. The Centre aims to translate research findings into practical solutions and innovative strategies that benefit caregivers, practitioners, and policymakers.
Key objectives include developing a culturally relevant caregiving model for Chinese communities to improve caregivers' quality of life; fostering collaboration among scholars in higher education institutions; enhancing understanding of caregiving policies through international partnerships; integrating research findings into educational programs for students; providing policymakers with informed recommendations on service delivery; and promoting the sharing of evidence-based knowledge among academics and practitioners through organized events. Through these efforts, the CRC aspires to create a measurable impact that extends beyond academia, ultimately benefiting the broader caregiving community.