How can the Social Welfare Department help caregivers?

The Social Welfare Department (SWD) offers a wide range of support towards carers/ caregivers, including:

• Respite care services: giving carers a temporary break through day care, elderly care homes or residential care services.
• Home care services: provide at-home-services like cleaning, food services and personal care. 
• Carer Allowance (means-tested): providing financial relief to low-income carers/ caregivers.
• Emotional Support Hotlines: allowing carers to share their struggles and connect with others. 

SWD also operates an online resource platform to help you explore what you or your family are eligible for. 

Source:

https://www.swd.gov.hk/tc/pubsvc/elderly/ 

https://www.swd.gov.hk/tc/pubsvc/elderly/cat_careersupp/

Not at all. While some Social Welfare Department (SWD) services, such as the Carer Allowance or Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA), are means-tested, many support services are open to all, including: Elderly Centre activities and assistance, family service centres providing counselling and service referrals, as well as community care and respite services. 

Everyone will either become a caregiver, or require a caregiver. It is crucial for societies to have community support, in order to cater for this shared human experience. Therefore, you do not need to be on public assistance to access support from the Social Welfare Department (SWD). 

The Social Welfare Department (SWD) offers a broad range of service for people of all ages and needs, including: 

• Elderly services: Home care, day centres, service vouchers and residential care.
• Family and caregiver support: family service centres, carer groups, and emergency support
• Children and youth services
• Disability and rehabilitation services
• Financial assistance schemes: including Old Age Living Allowance, Old Age Allowance, Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA), and Disability Allowance

They also provide referrals, resource guides, and enquiry hotlines to help individuals access support that fits their situation.

Please visit the Social Welfare Department’s website for more detailed information.