About us


The Caregiving Research and Development Centre (CRC) at Saint Francis University has been established in January 2025, with support from the Institutional Development Scheme (IDS) Research Infrastructure Grant of the Research Grants Council (RGC). The CRC adopts an interinstitutional and interdisciplinary approach to enhance academic research, consultancy, teaching and learning, service development and policy formulation in caregiving for frail elders and individuals with disabilities. The Centre focuses on the diverse needs of caregivers in different stages of caregiving journal, examine both positive and negative aspects of caregiving, promote strength-based and empowerment approach in caregiver support, ultimately providing evidence-based alternatives and ideas on government policy, social services, health care and community resources.

The CRC conducts research studies into caregiving policies and practices, facilitating knowledge exchange through regular conferences and workshops. Collaboration with local, mainland 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. Through these efforts, the CRC aspires to create a measurable impact that extends beyond academia, ultimately benefiting the broader caregiving community.

Objectives

Key objectives of CRC include:

  1. Practice Model: Develop a viable, sustainable, and culturally specific caregiving planning and practice model for Chinese communities.
  2. Scholar Incubation: Inspire and mentor scholars from both UGC-funded and self-financing institutions to collaborate on research agendas.
  3. International Exchange: Strengthen understanding of mainland and overseas policies and practices through collaborative international research.
  4. Teaching & Professional Development: Integrate research findings into student curricula to boost career interest in social/healthcare industries and improve practitioner service quality.
  5. Policy Impact: Provide evidence-based alternatives and ideas to help policymakers make informed decisions on public resource allocation.
  6. Knowledge Transfer: Enhance the sharing of evidence-based knowledge and best practices through organized academic and professional events.