Senior vouchers pilot scheme unveiled

1,200 vouchers to be issued.

According to a report, the Social Welfare Department will invite eligible seniors to join the community care service vouchers pilot scheme in batches from tomorrow.

Eligible seniors who are on the long-term care services central waiting list will be invited through their respective responsible workers, according to their application dates' order.

The department will issue a maximum of 1,200 vouchers, and the seniors may choose from a total of 62 non-profit-making recognised service providers experienced in providing community care services. Among them, 34 recognised service providers will provide both day-care and home-care services.

Eligible first-phase scheme participants must reside in Eastern, Kwun Tong, Wong Tai Sin, Yau Tsim Mong, Kowloon City, Sham Shui Po, Sha Tin, Tai Po, Tsuen Wan or Tuen Mun districts, and not receive any kind of residential care service or subsidised community care service.

Each senior on the central waiting list is in a responsible worker's care regarding his/her long-term care service application. The responsible worker will introduce the pilot scheme to the senior and his or her family members or carers, and help them to complete the application forms and send them to the department.

Seniors may decide which service providers to choose within three months of the voucher certificate's issue. They will receive a service catalogue for their reference.

When the voucher certificate is issued to an elderly person, a service catalogue of the recognised service providers will also be provided for reference.

Recognised service providers will upload information on service packages, price lists of additional and/or non-essential services, and their target clients on their own websites and the department's website.