Every licensed residential care home in Hong Kong is required to publish a fee-charging table (收費表) that lists its basic charges and major miscellaneous fees. This is the single most useful document a family can request — yet many families only ever see the headline monthly fee on a brochure. This guide explains what the basic fee covers, what it does not, and the extra charges that determine your real monthly cost.
What the basic monthly fee covers
The basic fee (基本收費) typically covers: accommodation in the assigned room type, three meals a day plus snacks, basic personal care assistance (bathing, dressing, toileting), routine nursing observation, and participation in standard social and recreational activities. It does not generally cover items that depend on the resident's individual care needs — those are billed as miscellaneous charges (雜項收費).
Common extra charges
| Charge | Typical monthly cost | When it applies |
|---|---|---|
| Diapers / continence supplies | HK$300 – HK$1,200 | When the resident is incontinent |
| Milk / nutritional formula | HK$500 – HK$1,500 | For residents on a liquid diet or with specific nutritional needs |
| Medical escort (陪診) | HK$200 – HK$500 per trip | When staff accompany the resident to a hospital appointment |
| Oxygen | HK$500 – HK$2,000 | For residents requiring oxygen therapy |
| Special diet | HK$300 – HK$1,000 | Diabetic, low-salt, pureed or other therapeutic diets |
| Electricity / air conditioning | HK$200 – HK$800 | Often charged separately, especially in summer |
| Physiotherapy / rehabilitation | HK$500 – HK$2,000 | For residents with a rehabilitation programme |
| Wound care / nursing surcharge | Varies | For residents needing specialised nursing procedures |
Deposits and one-off charges
Most homes require a refundable deposit (typically one to two months' basic fee) and may charge a one-off admission fee. The deposit should be refundable on departure, subject to any deductions for outstanding charges. Check the fee-charging table for the exact deposit amount and the conditions for refund.
Why our directory shows the basic fee separately
Because the basic fee and the all-in cost are different things, our directory always shows the basic monthly fee as published in the home's fee-charging table, with a clear note that additional charges may apply. We do not add estimated extras to the headline number, because those vary too much by resident — but we do link to the full fee-charging table on the home's detail page so you can see every published charge.
See fee-charging tables on home pagesFrequently asked questions
Is the monthly fee quoted by a home the total I will pay?
Usually not. The quoted monthly fee is the basic fee, covering accommodation, meals and basic personal care. Most residents also pay miscellaneous charges (雜項收費) for items like diapers, medical escorts, oxygen, special diets and air conditioning. These can add HK$1,000–5,000 per month depending on care needs. Always request the full fee-charging table and ask for a personalised estimate.