Starting from today (December 1), the Social Welfare Department (SWD) has further expanded the day respite service network for elderly persons to relieve the pressure on their carers.
With immediate effect, more than 110 recognised service providers under the Community Care Service Voucher Scheme for the Elderly will also provide day respite services for needy elderly persons.
The number of service points for day respite services for the elderly will hence significantly increase from about 190 to more than 300 across the territory to provide comprehensive care and support for elderly persons, their family members and/or carers. Members of the public can obtain information on day respite services for elderly persons in different districts via the Vacancy Enquiry System for Respite Services/Emergency Placement (www.ves.swd.gov.hk).
The SWD encourages needy elderly persons and their carers to:
- call the Designated Hotline for Carer Support 182 183, where social workers will assist in arranging and matching respite services;
- apply directly through units providing day respite services for the elderly; or
- request referrals from Integrated Family Service Centres/Integrated Services Centres, Medical Social Services Units, or elderly service units (e.g. District Elderly Community Centres and Neighbourhood Elderly Centres).
Details are available on the SWD website: www.swd.gov.hk/en/pubsvc/elderly/cat_careersupp/drrr/dayrespite/.
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