HK Policy Address 2024: New HK$5k monthly subsidy for elderly to live in Guangdong care homes
Hong Kong Free Press
The Hong Kong government will offer a monthly subsidy of HK$5,000 to up to 1,000 elderly social security recipients if they want to move to care homes in China’s Guangdong Province, the city’s leader said.
Chief Executive John Lee announced the three-year pilot scheme, for subsidising elderly recipients of Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA) retiring in Guangdong, during his 2024 Policy Address on Wednesday.
Each eligible elderly person will receive a monthly subsidy of HK$5,000 to live in a designated care home in Guangdong, subject to a quota of 1,000.
Eligible elderly Hong Kong residents who choose to live in the mainland province can already have their means-tested monthly pension of HK$4,195 paid there, as well as an allowance of HK$1,620 per month.
The Hong Kong leader pledged on Wednesday that the government would also provide more choices and support to seniors under the Residential Care Services Scheme in Guangdong. The number of residential care homes taking part in the scheme would be raised from four to 11 in November, while the medical expenses of the elderly participants would also be shouldered by the Hong Kong government.
Residential care voucher
On Wednesday, Lee also announced an increase in the total number of vouchers under the Residential Care Service Voucher Scheme for the Elderly by 20 per cent to 6,000. The move would allow more frail elderly people to be admitted to Hong Kong care homes of their choice and receive subsidised care services without waiting, he said.
The voucher scheme, which was piloted in 2017, aimed to provide an option for senior residents to choose residential care services offered by non-governmental organisations or the private sector.
The scheme targets elderly people who had been assessed and recommended for residential care services and are waitlisted for care and attention places or nursing home places on the Central Waiting List for subsidised long-term care services.
Starting from April 1, the voucher value for care and attention places was HK$16,435 per month. The voucher for nursing home places was valued at HK$21,232 since June 11. Individual voucher holders may enjoy a “standard service package,” which included accommodation within shared rooms and at least three meals plus snacks.
The voucher would also cover basic and special nursing care, two rehabilitative services sessions per week, regular visits by a registered medical practitioner and other services.
Support HKFP | Policies & Ethics | Error/typo? | Contact Us | Newsletter | Transparency & Annual Report | Apps
Help safeguard press freedom & keep HKFP free for all readers by supporting our team
HKFP has an impartial stance, transparent funding, and balanced coverage guided by an Ethics Code and Corrections Policy.
Support press freedom & help us surpass 1,000 monthly Patrons: 100% independent, governed by an ethics code & not-for-profit.