Residential care is not the only answer for a senior who needs support. Hong Kong's day care services let an older person keep living at home while spending the day at a centre that provides meals, personal care, rehabilitation and social activities — and they give family carers a real break during working hours. This guide maps the options, what they cost, and how to choose.
The main day care options
| Service | What it provides | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|
| Day care centre for the elderly | Day-time supervision, meals, personal care, basic rehab and activities | Frail or physically dependent seniors living at home |
| Dementia day centre | Specialised day care + cognitive training for people with dementia | Seniors with dementia who can still stay at home |
| Community support / social centres | Social groups, meal services, escort and limited nursing | Relatively independent seniors wanting company and support |
What day care costs
Costs depend on the centre, the care level, and whether the place is subsidised. Private day care centres publish their own fee schedules; subsidised and contract centres charge a set monthly fee for day places under the relevant scheme. Always confirm the current fee with the centre, because schedules change with each contract cycle.
Subsidies and schemes
- Social Welfare Department day care places — subsidised day places at eligible centres, allocated through the assessment system (same system that handles residential care).
- Dementia services under the SWD — designated dementia day centres with dedicated cognitive programmes.
- Community Care Service Voucher (CCSV) — a voucher scheme to buy community care services including day care, letting seniors choose their provider.
How to choose a day care centre
- Get a needs assessment from the SWD or a designated assessor to know which services and subsidies apply.
- Visit at operating hours and watch how staff interact with members; check meal quality, toilet and mobility access.
- Ask about transport — many centres offer escort or transport; the cost and coverage vary.
- Check the fee schedule in writing — day fee, meal fee, transport and any extras, plus whether a subsidy applies to your case.
Frequently asked questions
Is elderly day care cheaper than a care home?
Almost always for the centre-based care alone, because you are not paying for full-time accommodation. Day care fees cover daytime care, meals and activities; the senior continues to live at home. Total cost depends on transport and how many days a week are needed.
How do I get a subsidised day care place?
Through the Social Welfare Department's standardised care needs assessment. Contact a social worker or an Integrated Family Service Centre to start the assessment; the team then allocates subsidised day places at eligible centres, or issues a Community Care Service Voucher where applicable.
Can day care handle dementia?
Yes — specialised dementia day centres provide cognitive training and day care designed for people with dementia. Choose a centre that states dementia care as part of its service, and ask how it manages wandering and daily routines.