lodging and burial service for old people in return for a lump sum payment. The Government does not intend to interfere with religious practices but is anxious to ascertain what role is played by "chai-tong" in the care of the elderly, and whether any improvements could and should be made.
Institutional Care
4.23
With improved social security benefits and the planned expansion in health services and community support services for the elderly, it is hoped that the demand for institutional care will be reduced. Existing facilities are far from adequate. In general, institutional facilities will be restricted to those elderly persons who can no longer function independently in the community.
4.24
Priority will be given to the expansion of care and attention homes providing personal and nursing care to old people in need of such services. 1,400 additional places are planned for by 1982/83. These will provide proper care for the infirm and relieve existing pressure on hospital beds which can be put to better use. In view of the identified shortfall, the considerable planning efforts involved in these custom-built facilities and the long lead time in construction, the Govern- ment believes that it should play a more active role in the provision of these facilities, so that the long term target provision of 4 places for every 1,000 population aged 60 and over may be achieved as soon as possible. It is now examining the best means of achieving this aim. Direct Government participation in this sphere will enable a better integration of care and attention facilities with the medical and health services, and will allow the Government to acquire experience in operating an essential service.
4.25
Homes for the Aged will also be expanded and 1,600 additional places are planned by 1982/83. Whenever possible, a care and attention section should be included in these homes to avoid the need to relocate the elderly when their health deteriorates since this is a disturbing experience for the individuals involved. The longer term planning targets for institutional facilities will be reviewed when an assessment can be made of the effects of improved community support services and cash benefits for the elderly.
4.26
Advice will be available in the field from the Social Welfare Department's district offices on operating these institutions. The Department's Development Division will also assist the voluntary sector in planning for institutional facilities and is conforming with agreed standards. It may be possible to prepare standard plans for these facilities to minimise the planning efforts involved.
Personal Social Work Among Young People
4,27
The young people of Hong Kong already have access to a wide variety of cultural and leisure activities organized by the Government, the Urban Council and voluntary organizations. The New Country Parks Authority will be developing some 200 square miles of mountain, valley and coastline for recreation. The Urban Council is continuing its programme to construct more football pitches, courts and games areas, sports and cultural complexes, indoor games halls and swimming pool complexes. In the New Territories, the Government is pursuing a similar comprehen- sive programme for the provision of cultural and recreational facilities. The Recreation and Sports Service aims to organize and publicise recreation and sports programmes throughout the territory for all ages and ability groups but with particular emphasis on the needs of young people. Together these facilities and programmes cater for an ever-increasing number of young people and will provide a healthy outlet for their energies.
4.28
At a more basic level, the Government has stepped up its efforts in improving public housing, education and medical and health facilities for the community. The White Paper on Senior Secondary and Tertiary Education outlines an ambitious programme of development which will provide greater opportunities for education at the senior secondary and tertiary levels.
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