Elderly exercise: Acting Chief Executive John Tsang visits the Aberdeen Kai-fong Welfare Association Social Service Centre.

Strengthening elderly care is one of the core areas in building a caring community, Acting Chief Executive John Tsang says, adding the Government will examine ways to boost elderly services.

Accompanied by Assistant Director of Social Welfare Kathy Ng, Mr Tsang today visited the Aberdeen Kai-fong Welfare Association Social Service Centre to meet a home-help team which is preparing to provide outreach services to frail elderly living at home.

He chatted with the team members who provide a wide range of services, including care management, and escort, home-making and meal-delivery services.

Mr Tsang then visited a single elderly woman in Shek Pai Wan Estate. She applied for home-care services after she had a stroke and was confined to a wheelchair. She was given personal care and rehabilitation exercises. She told Mr Tsang her mobility has improved and she wants to continue living in the community.

Mr Tsang then visited an elderly couple, of which the husband suffered from chronic illnesses and used a wheelchair. They said since the provision of home-care services in 2008 they have been provided with whole day meal delivery, rehabilitation and escort services.

Mr Tsang said he is glad to see home-care services are providing the elderly with a better and safer living environment. He gave the two households a basket of fruit and wished them health and happiness in the Year of the Tiger.