Gov't to increase elderly care capacity to 77,000 by 2030

The city's first Five-Year Plan will also see the increase of the city's elderly care capacity to more than 77,000.

This as the Policy Address mentions the introduction of an overseas carer scheme meant to facilitate the city's needy elderly residents.

Meanwhile, other relevant measures highlighted include the establishment of community dining halls and the development of the city's first integrated ambulatory care hospital.

91-year-old Mrs. Chow lives with her 93-year-old husband who struggles with limited mobility.

The pair have been cared for by an overseas helper since four years ago.

Mrs. Chow said she used to visit the hospital once a month before hiring the maid, adding she had no one to help her when her husband fell during that period.

In hopes of ensuring elderly safety at home, the Policy Address highlighted the government's "overseas carer scheme" aimed at satisfying elderly needs.

Sources say the carers' place of origin will not be limited as long as they are sufficiently trained and are able to provide qualified certificates.

This as Hong Kong's first Five-Year Plan has set to increase the the city's elderly care capacity to more than 77,000 by 2030.

Over the course of the 2027-28 financial year, authorities will also increase Community Care Service vouchers to 18,000, while Residential Care Service vouchers will rise to 8,000.

The government will also set up five new subsidised day-care facilities and five new Neighbourhood Elderly Centres.

In a bid to tackle the ageing population, the Policy Address stated the allowance for low-income individuals will be increased by 10% to 3,300 dollars per month.

A "community dining hall" pilot scheme will also be rolled out to facilitate elderly residents living alone as well as children with special needs.

Meanwhile, the government also aims to boost its medical sector by constructing the city's first integrated ambulatory care hospital, which will offer operations for cataract patients.

As Hong Kong authorities continue to develop medical facilities by building new hospital sites and increase investment in Chinese Medicine, some residents hailed these endeavours.

I think it's a good alternative.

It would reduce the pressure on doctors who are managing the show in the government hospitals.

I see that the hospitals are crowded, or rather I would say they are overcrowded.

So, I think if more hospitals come up then definitely it would help.