Social Welfare Department inspectors will conduct surprise visits to strengthen monitoring while collaboration with the Department of Health will be maintained to enhance staff training and service quality.

Measures to boost monitoring, self-discipline among the private sector, as well as public awareness of consumers' rights are being explored.

Since 1996, the department has made 38 prosecutions against elderly homes breaching license requirements. The public can report suspected cases to the department's complaint hotlines 2961 7211 or 2834 7414.