Highlights of the Year 2022-23

Legislative Amendments to Ordinances for Residential Care Homes

To enhance the service quality of residential care homes (RCHs), the Government introduced the Residential Care Homes Legislation (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill 2022 (“the Bill”) to the Legislative Council for First and Second Readings on 25 May 2022. The Legislative Council set up a Bills Committee to scrutinise the Bill.

Licensing Scheme for Residential Care Homes for Persons With Disabilities (RCHDs)

As at 31 March 2023, 338 out of 339 RCHDs have met the licensing requirements. SWD will continue to closely follow up and provide assistance for the remaining RCHD on the modification works.

Training Subsidy Scheme for Staff of Residential Care Homes

Continued to implement the Scheme to provide full subsidies for home managers, health workers and care workers of all residential care homes for the elderly (RCHEs) and RCHDs in the territory to enrol in training courses recognised under the Qualifications Framework. A training allowance is also provided for the residential care homes to maintain their operations through proper staff deployment when health workers and care workers are attending courses. Additionally, on-site training support and assessment are provided for the trainees. As at the end of March 2023, around 80% of RCHs have joined the Scheme.

Accreditation Subsidy Scheme for Private Residential Care Homes for the Elderly

Continued to implement the Scheme to provide full subsidies for private RCHEs joining SWD’s approved accreditation schemes under the Accredited Certification Body of Certification of Residential Care Homes (Elderly Persons) Service Providers’ Management System recognised by the Hong Kong Accreditation Service. The Scheme aims to encourage private RCHEs to continuously improve their service quality by joining independent accreditation schemes. As at the end of March 2023, around 50% of private RCHEs have registered to join the subsidy scheme.