If someone can remain at home but needs support while the main carer works, start with the hours that are uncovered. A centre open until late afternoon may still leave a gap before the carer gets home. The same applies to weekends, holidays and the journey between the flat and the transport pickup point.
Choose the right route
| Route | How to start | Main check |
|---|---|---|
| Subsidised day care | Request referral and assessment through an elderly centre, medical social worker or family service centre. SWD’s service page covers people aged 60+ assessed for relevant services. | Full-time or part-time availability and the centre’s service boundary. |
| Community care voucher (CCSV) | Confirm eligibility and choose a recognised provider/package. | Co-payment, transport and whether you need a mix of centre and home services. |
| Private/self-financing place | Ask the centre directly for an assessment and quote. | What each day or session includes; absence and cancellation terms. |
| Day respite | Enquire directly with a day-care centre/unit or ask a worker for referral. | Actual dates, care suitability and documents needed before attendance. |
For vouchers, the package price is not your bill
For 2026–27, SWD lists monthly CCSV values between HK$4,526 and HK$10,824. The scheme allows centre-based, home-based or mixed services. Your assessed co-payment and chosen services determine what you pay; compare packages that cover the hours and tasks you need, rather than automatically choosing the maximum value.
Walk through a whole day
- Pickup: is collection at the flat, building entrance or a fixed point? Who assists on stairs or with a wheelchair, and is escort charged separately?
- At the centre: ask how medicines, toileting, meals and professional care instructions are handled. For rehabilitation, ask who delivers it and how often.
- Return: who receives the person, what happens if the carer is late and what is the plan if the service closes unexpectedly?
- Missing a day: ask about illness exclusions, holiday closures, refunds or rescheduling and backup support.
Illustration: centre care ending at 5pm and a carer arriving home at 7pm still leave two hours to cover, plus transport. Write the full weekly timetable before committing. If the difficult hours are mainly overnight, discuss a different or additional service with the care team.