The Pilot Scheme was launched in March 2017 by the Social Welfare Department (SWD). By following the principle of “money-follows-the-user”, eligible seniors may select a suitable residential care home operated by non-governmental organisation or
the private sector and purchase a place based on their own needs. Through a co-payment arrangement, the Residential Care Service Voucher Scheme allows both the user and the Government each to shoulder part of the residential fee. The percentage of fee to be borne by voucher holder is determined according to the
income and assets level of the user, capped at no more than 75% of the residential fee.
Value of voucher:
HKD15,755/per month (effective 1 November 2020)
Eligibility:
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Elderly persons who have been assessed as moderately impaired under Social Welfare Department’s Standardised Care Need Assessment Mechanism for Elderly Services; and
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they are waitlisting for Care and Attention places on the Central Waiting List for Subsidised Long Term Care Services on or before 30 June 2020.
Application:
Eligible elderly persons will receive invitation letters issued by SWD.
Usage of vouchers:
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Each first-time voucher holder is given a 6-month trial period.
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A case officer is designated by the Social Welfare Department to assist seniors in selecting residential care homes and provide follow-up support.
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Voucher holders can make top-up payments up to an amount of 150% of the voucher value in force to purchase enhanced or value-added services which are outside the standard service package from recognized service providers. Examples of top-up services include additional physiotherapy/ occupational therapy sessions, upgraded dormitory, acupuncture, Chinese medicine and massage service, etc.
To avoid double benefit, any elderly person who has opted for the Pilot Scheme shall not be entitled to CSSA. When opting to become voucher holders, CSSA recipients will be granted:
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Medical fee waiving for public healthcare expenses;
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Full assistance under the Samaritan Fund and Community Care Fund Medical Assistance Programme (if fulfilling the application requirements);
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Public Private Partnership Programmes (similar benefits as CSSA recipients)
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Government subsidy to recognized service providers to cover the items, including diapers, special diet and medical consumables, for voucher holders with proven needs as assessed by public doctors.
Voucher holders may still receive Social Security Allowance, including Old Age Living Allowance/Old Age Allowance/Normal Disability Allowance, subject to their eligibility under the respective scheme.
Services included in a voucher:
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Accommodation within shared rooms;
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At least 3 meal a day and snacks;
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Basic and special nursing care;
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Staff on duty 24 hours per day;
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Personal care services;
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Rehabilitative services session twice per week, on either individual or group basis;
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Regular visits by a registered medical practitioner;
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Social and recreational activities on regular basis;
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Laundry services.
Social Welfare Department enquiries hotline: 3107 3280 or 3107 3290 email:
rcsv@swd.gov.hk
Related websites:
Social Welfare Department’s website
Social Welfare Department Elderly Information Website
Pamphlets of Pilot Scheme on Residential Care Service Voucher for the Elderly
