Estate Social Service for the Elderly

Estate Social Service for the Elderly and Emergency Alarm System

Estate Social Service for the Elderly Scheme

(1) Purpose

The Housing Authority (HA) has implemented the Estate Social Service for the Elderly Scheme (ESSES) since 1990 with a view to establishing contact with elderly people living alone in public housing estates, identifying their personal needs and the resources required, encouraging their participation in social activities and volunteer work and setting up support networks for them. The scheme is now implemented in 24 estates.

(2) Scope of Work

To implement the ESSES, the HA has established the post of Estate Liaison Officer, who provides the following services -

(a) to build up and keep record for reference a profile of the elderly in chosen estates;

(b) to visit living alone elderly people ( especially those poor and lonely ones) and to keep watch over their conditions closely;

(c) to refer personal requests of the elderly to the departments concerned or voluntary agencies for assistance as appropriate;

(d) to liaise with local organizations such as multi-service centres for the elderly, Mutual Aid Committees, etc. for arrangement of social/recreational functions and community programmes for the elderly; and

(e) to assist as much as possible in establishing mutual care networks amongst the elderly and to encourage volunteer work by the elderly.

Emergency Alarm System (EAS)

The HA has installed two types of EAS for elderly tenants living in its public housing estates ?

(1) EAS installed in Housing for Senior Citizens (HSC) units

EAS with panic alarm buttons is provided in each HSC unit, which is connected to the wardens' office and their quarters. In case of emergencies, the elderly may press one of these buttons to call the warden for assistance.

(2) EAS installed in other housing units

Since 1991, the HA has installed the EAS for elderly tenants who are receiving Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA) and living alone in estates where the ESSES has been introduced. However, as this type of EAS is not connected to a central control centre, its functioning relies heavily on the support of the neighbours and it only offers limited assistance to the elderly in distress, the installation of such has therefore been suspended since April 1996.

Grant for Emergency Alarm System (EAS Grant)

In May 1996, the Social Welfare Department (SWD) introduced the "Special Grant for Emergency Alarm System" whereby elderly CSSA recipients who have met the eligibility criteria stipulated by the SWD can obtain a special grant, on a reimbursement basis, to acquire any EAS service on the market to meet their needs.

To cater for the need of those elderly who are in need of EAS but do not qualify for, or are not currently receiving CSSA, the HA has, since September 1996, provided them with an EAS Grant to enable them to purchase any EAS on the market to meet their needs. To qualify for the EAS Grant, elderly tenants must meet the following criteria -

(1) not receiving CSSA;

(2) living alone or in household with all members aged 60 or above; and

(3) satisfying one of the following conditions which took effect from 2 March 2000 ?/font>

(a) if aged 65 or over, having an income and asset not exceeding the prescribed limits detailed below; or

(b) if aged 60-64, having an income and asset not exceeding the prescribed limits detailed below, and are certified by a public medical officer to be more than 50% disabled or suffering from such medical conditions which could develop life threatening conditions as to require immediate attention (medical certification for those receiving disability allowance from SWD for being 100% disabled or in need of constant attendance is not necessary).

The income and asset limits are based on the prevailing financial eligibility limits for the Normal Old Age Allowance administered by the SWD, which are ?/font>

	Monthly Income Limits	Asset Limits
Single Person	$5,910	$169,000
Married Couple	$9,740	$254,000

The EAS Grant is given to eligible elderly on a reimbursement basis for a one- off installation cost up to a maximum of $2,500.

With effect from 2 March 2000, elderly persons living either alone or in household with all elderly members in interim housing are also offered the Grant subject to meeting the prevailing eligibility criteria.

*Source: Housing Department Management Branch, General Housing Policies on Application for Public Housing and Home Ownership Scheme, Estate Management, Squatter Control and Clearance, Section B, Chapter 18, 1 April 2001.