Chapter 4
Future Developments in Social Welfare Services
4.1
In direct social welfare services, developments will be most marked in three areas, namely, rehabilitation services for the disabled, services for the elderly and personal social work among young people. The Government's plans for rehabilitation services are outlined in the 1977 White Paper "Integrating the Disabled into the Community: A United Effort". Proposals in respect of services for the elderly and personal social work among young people are set out in this chapter which also deals with the general direction that other major areas of social welfare services will take in the coming few years.
Services for the Elderly
4.2
In common with all other countries, Hong Kong is experiencing changes in the age structure of its population. The percentage of old people aged 60 years and over is expected to increase from the present 9% of total population to nearly 11% by 1986, with a significantly larger increase in the number of people aged 75 and over. Services for the elderly will be expanded on a wide front, with the objective of promoting the well-being of the elderly through care in the community and by the community. This concept of care in the community is well tested in both Western and Asian communities and has been found to be most effective in meeting the needs of the elderly.
4.3
To achieve its objectives, the Government's strategy will be three-fold: firstly, to provide a range of community services and improved cash benefits that will encourage families to look after their elderly members, or which will enable old people on their own to live indepen- dently, and in dignity, in the community for as long as possible; secondly, to provide residential institutional facilities for those who for health or other reasons, can no longer live with their families or on their own; and thirdly, to promote a better understanding of the process of aging so that old age can become a more positive and productive period, not only for the elderly them- selves, but also for the community at large. Social integration of the elderly within the community is important since it is only through a continuous involvement in community life that old people can retain their self-esteem, respect and sense of belonging. Moreover, this will allow them to put to good use the skills and experience acquired during their younger days. In this manner, health care and the quality of life for the elderly should be enhanced.
4.4 graphs.
The specific areas of expansion are described in greater detail in the following para-
Cash Payments
4.5
Paragraphs 3.3 to 3.12 outline the improvements made in social security benefits. Those that concern the elderly specifically are the Old Age Supplement payable under the Public Assistance scheme to those aged 60 and over who are not receiving an Old Age or Disability Allowance, and extension of the Old Age Allowance to those between 70 and 74 and to those in residential institutional accommodation. With the lowering of the age limit for the Old Age Allowance, an additional 76,000 people will qualify for this allowance. The Government does not contemplate any further lowering of this limit for the time being in view of the generally improved cash benefits for the elderly but will keep all social security payments under regular review.
4.6
The Green Paper suggested that if possible, an index of old age needs should be devised as a basis for determining the level of Old Age Allowance. On closer examination this
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