New private-run day care model targets middle-class seniors

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The government is tapping into market forces with a new model for elderly care. Under this scheme, the government provides the premises, while private firms are invited to bid for the operations. The goal is to create day care centres tailored for middle-class seniors, with the first pilot launching in Tseung Kwan O.

Lawmaker Lam Siu-lo questioned the project's long-term impact, asking how far the model would expand and whether the fee structure would change. He also raised concerns about whether services would eventually lean toward those with greater financial resources.

Under Secretary for Labour and Welfare Ho Kai-ming explained that the demand for "ageing in place" is growing across all social classes. He stated that the government wants to launch this model in different communities, while grassroots would continue to rely on the government-subsidised model.

Deputy Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chong Wing-wun confirmed that the first site had been identified at the LOHAS Park. He noted that although the commercial mix of the surrounding mall might change, the space would remain dedicated to elderly care. By allowing the market to operate on a self-financing basis, he believes it would provide enough flexibility for operators to effectively meet public demand.