In Hong Kong, older adults including people with dementia must go through the Standardised Care Need Assessment Mechanism for Elderly Services to access subsidised long-term care service. The mechanism was implemented from November 2000 by the Social Welfare Department (Social Welfare Department, 2020i). Under the Mechanism, an internationally recognised assessment tool, the so-called Minimum Data Set-Home Care (MDS-HC) is adopted to ascertain the care needs of the elderly and match them with appropriate services. People in need can contact Social Welfare Department or social services providers for assessment on eligibility of subsidised long-term care services. The individuals opting for long-term care provided by the private sector, for instance residential care service, can contact the service provider directly.

References:

Social Welfare Department. (2020i). Standardised Care Need Assessment Mechanism for Elderly Services. Retrieved from https://www.swd.gov.hk/en/index/site_pubsvc/page_elderly/sub_standardis/