The Government has set out a series of measures to support and care for the disadvantaged including enhancing elderly care services and support for the disabled, Secretary for Labour & Welfare Matthew Cheung says.
At a press conference on the 2016 Policy Address initiatives today, Mr Cheung said the Government will continue to enhance the software and hardware facilities for elderly care services and map out long-term plans.
About 1,700 new subsidised residential care places for the elderly are being provided in phases from 2014-15 to 2017-18, while another 1,700 places will be provided through developing and renovating vacant premises in 16 development projects and sites.
Sixty projects under the Special Scheme on Privately Owned Sites for Welfare Uses will provide 9,000 new elderly service places, and of these projects, five are expected to provide about 240 places by 2017-18, Mr Cheung added.
The second phase of the Pilot Scheme on Community Care Service Voucher for the Elderly will be launched later this year issuing an additional 1,800 vouchers with an increased value of $8,300.
The Government will also explore a pilot scheme under the Lotteries Fund to enhance foreign domestic helpers' knowledge and skill in caring for seniors.
On support for the disabled, Mr Cheung noted that two flagship projects at Siu Lam and Kai Nang in Kwun Tong are underway to provide additional rehabilitation services.
The Government will streamline Disability Allowance application procedures, including removing the reference to "100% loss of earning capacity" and work-related criteria under the medical assessment.
The Community Care Fund will also be invited to consider implementing pilot schemes to provide a living allowance for carers of disabled people and encourage those with disabilities to take up employment, Mr Cheung added.
