Gov't to roll out expanded elderly aid scheme in 2025

Tung Wah Group of Hospitals also launched a 24-hour hotline for carer support.

The "District Services & Community Care Teams – Scheme on Supporting Elderly & Carers," currently implemented in Tsuen Wan and Southern District, will be expanded across all of Hong Kong next year, Secretary for Labour & Welfare Chris Sun announced. 

The scheme, launched in March, saw vulnerable groups get $240k in extra subsidies.

Over the past six months, these care teams have visited about 4,700 families, referring more than 730 elderly cases to social welfare organisations for follow-up. According to the 2024 Policy Address, the scheme will cover all 18 districts next year.

The department also commissioned the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals to launch a 24-hour hotline for carer support, which has received over 50,000 calls.

Around 850 cases have been referred to community service units for appropriate support, including around 270 elderly households directed to elderly service or respite units. The hotline has also handled 56 crisis cases.

Sun said the government will utilise various channels to quickly identify elderly residents with potential service needs.