The Social Welfare Department today said it is pleased to note that the Ombudsman in its investigation report recognises the effectiveness of the Pilot Scheme on Community Care Service Voucher (CCSV) for the Elderly.

The department added that it will actively follow up on the report's recommendations to enhance the effectiveness of the scheme.

To encourage seniors to age in place, the scheme provides more diversified community care services for those who have been assessed and recommended as suitable for receiving residential care services or community care services under the Standardised Care Need Assessment Mechanism for Elderly Services.

Under the principle of co-payment by CCSV holders and the Government, eligible elderly people can choose their own recognised service providers, service types and service packages which suit their needs. As of the end of last month, 7,377 seniors were receiving services through the scheme.

The scheme will be regularised in September. The number of beneficiaries will increase from the existing 8,000 to 12,000 in 2025-26 by phases.

The scope of the CCSV will also be expanded to include rental of assistive technology products to enhance the quality of life of the elderly and alleviate the pressure on their carers.

Upon regularisation of the scheme, CCSV holders will be able to purchase services from two recognised service providers at the same time, thus increasing the flexibility of using CCSV services.

The Voucher Information System for the Elderly will be launched next month, through which CCSV holders will be able to access real-time information on voucher usage and search for recognised service providers.

As recommended by the Ombudsman, the department will step up publicity on CCSV services to the elderly and their carers through newspaper or television interviews on real cases to raise public awareness about the scheme.

It will also continue to listen to the views of the industry and different stakeholders, and review the implementation of relevant measures under the scheme.