Elderly vouching scheme to kick off this month

1,200 initial vouchers to be issued.

According to a report, the Social Welfare Department will launch the first phase of the Pilot Scheme on Community Care Service Voucher for the Elderly in September, allowing seniors to choose the service package that suits their needs.

Speaking to the media last August 30, Director of Social Welfare Carol Yip said 1,200 vouchers will be issued during the first phase, which will last for two years.

Ms Yip appealed to seniors to join the scheme, and said 240 eligible seniors have expressed interest so far.

Applicants must be assessed as moderately impaired under the Standardised Care Need Assessment Mechanism for Elderly Service, and be waiting for subsidised community care or residential care service in the Long Term Care Services Delivery System.

After seniors receive the voucher certificate, they can use the service from September 2. Social welfare officers will follow their case.

Ms Yip said for seniors participating in the scheme, their place on the waiting list for long term care service will not be affected.

The first phase covers Eastern, Wong Tai Sin, Kwun Tong, Sham Shui Po (including Yau Tsim Mong and Kowloon City), Sha Tin, Tai Po, Tsuen Wan, and Tuen Mun Districts.

There are 62 eligible recognised service providers, run by 29 non-governmental organisations and two social enterprises.

The scheme has adopted a “money-follows-the-user” approach to allow flexibility, she said.