CONFIDENTIAL **
These are traditional religious institutions providing board,
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
4.25
With improved social security benefits and the planned
expansion in health services and community support services for the
elderly, the demand for institutional care should be reduced although
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.
4.26
Priority will be given to the expansion of care and
attention homes providing personal and nursing care to told people
in need of such services. 1400 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 Government 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 1000 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.
CONFIDENTIAL
機密