Community Resources

The Government announced that from June 1, 2022 to the end of October 2023, eligible Hong Kong residents aged 65 or above will be accepted by phases to meet the eligibility criteria of the Loyalty Card to replace the Bearer Octopus for Senior Citizens and the Personalized Octopus for Individuals. Eligibility: Hong Kong residents who are aged 60 or above or will be aged 60 or above within the next three months from the date of application and hold a valid Hong Kong Smart Identity Card. Application Timetable: For first-time applicants aged 65 or above, please submit your application in phases according to the dates specified below. Source: Octopus website Note: Persons aged 65 or above should submit their applications to Octopus Cards Limited according to the above application timetable. Applications not submitted according to the above application timetable may be delayed or not processed. How to apply: Eligible citizens can apply through two major channels, either electronically or by post: 1. Apply through the Octopus mobile application program (App), please refer to the following link for details of the Loyalty Card application procedure (https://bit.ly/3wub13j) 2. Download the application form from the Loyalty Card website or obtain it from the designated places, and mail it to the following address after completing the form: Tsuen Wan Post Office P.O. Box 945, Tsuen Wan Post Office, Tsuen Wan, New Territories Octopus Cards Limited Loyalty Card Application Request Form Locations: List of locations where application forms are distributed (https://bit.ly/3PqPDTN) Information required for application: - For application through Octopus App, applicants should prepare Hong Kong Identity Card, color passport photo (white or plain light background) (1.5" x 2") - For postal submission, after completing the form, applicants are required to attach a 1.5" x 2" color passport photo taken within 6 months (white or plain light background) and a color or black and white copy of a valid Hong Kong Identity Card (please cut the copy to true size) to the designated area of the application form respectively. Note: 1. The Government will announce the date of cancellation of the $2 concessionary fare on Elder Octopus and Personalized Octopus in due course, and the existing bearer version of Elder Octopus or Personalized Octopus will not be able to enjoy the $2 concessionary fare scheme. 2. Eligible persons who will reach the age of 60 within the next 3 months may apply for the EasyCard. If the applicant is under the age of 60 within the next 3 months from the date of application, the Company will not accept the application and the applicant should submit a new application form on time. 3. After submitting the application, please watch out for SMS, emails or letters from Octopus Cards Limited for the progress of the application. For applications with incomplete information or supporting documents, Octopus Cards Limited will send SMS, emails or letters to the applicants requesting for supplementary information. Applicants who have received the SMS or email can call the Yoyo Card Application Service Hotline at 3147 1388 for enquiries. Applicants who have received the letter should submit the supplementary information within 14 days, otherwise the application will not be processed. 4. Upon completion of the application, Octopus Cards Limited will send out the Lo-yo Card to the applicant's address as shown on the application form, and will notify the applicant by SMS to look out for the Lo-yo Card. To avoid delay, you are advised to fill in the application form by referring to the address on your bank statement or utility bill. If you do not receive the Loyo Card within 10 days after receiving the SMS or 4 weeks after completing the application, please call the Loyo Card Application Service Hotline at 3147 1388 and contact our staff directly. 5. 5. No activation is required for the Loyo Card, cardholders only need to add more than $50 to their Octopus cards through existing Octopus add-value channels to use the Loyo Card. 6. Eligible persons can only hold one Loyalty Card, please do not submit duplicate applications. Any duplicate applications will be rejected and may affect their ongoing applications. 7. 60 to 64 years old Loyalty Card holders can continue to use their Loyalty Cards to enjoy the $2 discount program when they reach the age of 65 in the same year. 8. Eligible persons with disabilities can continue to use their Personalized Octopus cards with photo identification to enjoy the $2 concessionary fare without the need to replace the card. To apply for the Loyalty Card, please submit the video teaching kit by post. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r9Gc1ARvcX0 Loyalty Card Application Video Tutorial for Loyalty Card Application through Octopus Apps https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y1QXCXIo7xQ If you have any questions about the above information, please contact the Loyalty Card Application Service Hotline at 3147 1388. Or you are welcome to leave a message to us at Sunyu Academy and we will try our best to answer your questions.

Yau Tong 71-year-old man set himself on fire and was hospitalized for two weeks. He was suspected to have committed suicide after being tortured by his illness. A 71-year-old man from Ko Yee Estate in Yau Tong set himself on fire on December 5 in his living unit and was sent to the hospital with third-degree burns and passed away on December 19 after a two-week hiatus. He lived alone, suffered from high blood pressure and diabetes, and told firefighters he wanted to "burn himself to death". More than 550,000 elderly living alone or in "double-elderly families", only 15% of them contact their children regularly More than 550,000 elderly living alone or in "double-elderly families" in Hong Kong, the Society for Community Organization (SOCO) interviewed 162 grassroots elders, and found that the score of the Loneliness Scale of the interviewed elders was as high as 9.2, which is a "severe sense of loneliness", and among them, less than 10% of them were taken care of by their children on a regular basis, and only 15% of them had frequent contact with their children. Those who seek help are not weak. Make good use of community resources to help themselves Community Resources: SWD Support Teams for the Elderly The Support Teams for the Elderly (STEs) are community support services attached to District Elderly Community Centres (DECCs) to provide care and assistance to the elderly in need, so that they can continue to live actively in the community under this support network. The Support Team for the Elderly has also developed the "Elderly Volunteer" Scheme to encourage the elderly to become volunteers and continue to participate in social affairs and provide services to other needy elders, so as to give full play to their spirit of giving full play to their abilities. Targets: Elderly people aged 60 or above with one or more of the following conditions who are willing to receive services: 🔹 Living alone or lacking family care 🔹 Weak community support network 🔹 Poor health 🔹 Having financial difficulties 🔹 Poor living conditions 🔹 Inadequate use of community resources or services 🔹 Other special circumstances Service content: 🔹 To identify elders with potential needs through diversified outreach and community networking approaches. 🔹 Regular phone calls and visits to comfort elders 🔹 Referral to community resources 🔹 Assist with simple personal needs, such as transportation to and from clinics and simple household chores 🔹 Emotional support 🔹 Referring elders to regular services, e.g., counseling services, elderly services 🔹 Recruitment, training and maintenance of volunteers Application procedures: 🔹 Elderly persons May contact the nearby Support Teams for the Elderly or be referred by social service organizations, local groups or individuals. 🔹 Volunteers Interested persons or organizations may apply to the Support Team for the Elderly as individual volunteers or volunteer organizations. Elderly Support Service Team Service Application Form https://www.swd.gov.hk/storage/asset/section/1216/tc/STE_application_Chi_Jun09.pdf Enquiries: 🔹 Integrated Family Service Centers / Integrated Service Centers 🔹 Medical Social Services Department 🔹 District Elderly Community Centers / Neighborhood Elderly Centers / Social Centers for the Elderly 🔹 Social Welfare Department Hotline : 2343 2255 🔹 List of Support Teams for the Elderly in various districts https://www.swd.gov.hk/storage/asset/section/1216/tc/List_of_STEs20230926094351.pdf Introduction to Community Resources: 24-hour Mood Link Hotline 18111 The Government has launched a 24-hour Mood Link Hotline 18111 to provide one-stop support to emotionally disturbed persons. The Government has launched the 24-hour Mood Link Hotline 18111 to provide one-stop support to emotionally disturbed persons by providing them with immediate mental health support and referral services. The hotline is manned 24 hours a day to provide immediate support and counseling to members of the public of all backgrounds and ages. A minimum of six staff will man the hotline and more staff will be deployed to provide additional services when necessary. During very busy periods, if the staff on duty cannot answer the call immediately, the hotline has a voice mail service and will ensure that the caller is answered within 30 minutes. If you want to know the latest social welfare information in Hong Kong, please stay tuned to our "Shun Yu Academy". If you have any questions or need assistance, please feel free to leave a message to us and we will try our best to answer your questions and provide you with appropriate assistance. Source: 71-year-old Yau Tong man who set himself on fire and stayed in hospital for two weeks died after living alone for 20 years, his mobility deteriorated and he was suspected to have committed suicide because of his illness. https://skypost.ulifestyle.com.hk/article/3674383/ Elderly Support Service Team https://www.swd.gov.hk/storage/asset/section/180/tc/eb/STE_Traditional_Chinese_and_English.pdf Image Source: Freepik https://www.freepik.com/free-vector/family-enjoying-time-together_7915260.htm

Starting from December 13, 2023, elderly people aged 65 or above can make a booking through the Government's online booking platform to receive XBB vaccine at the New Crown Vaccination Station of private clinics or designated general outpatient clinics of the HA on December 14 to complete the initial dose or additional booster. In addition, designated specialist outpatient clinics under HA and designated elderly health centers under DH will also provide XBB vaccine to patients and members from December 14 onwards. Target: Adults residing in residential care homes or elders aged 65 or above. Venue: New Crown Vaccination Station of private clinics or designated general out-patient clinics under the Hospital Authority (HA). How to receive XBB vaccination: 🔹 Private clinic Crown Vaccination Station Booking: Online booking (booking.covidvaccine.gov.hk); or contact the private clinic directly to arrange vaccination. 🔹 Designated general out-patient clinics under HA 🔹 Appointment: Booking must be made online (booking.covidvaccine.gov.hk) 🔹 Specialist out-patient clinics for follow-ups Patients can approach the healthcare staff on site. List of new XBB vaccination sites (👈 Click here to learn more) https://www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/xbb_venues_dec2023.pdf Documents to bring on the day of vaccination: 🔹 Proof of Identity 🔹 Appointment Confirmation SMS or Photocopy of Enrollment Confirmation Fee: Free. Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Free seasonal influenza vaccination for eligible groups:

The Social Welfare Department (SWD) has launched the "Carers' Information Website" (CIN), which aims to enhance carers' awareness of the resources available to them and encourage them to seek assistance when necessary. The website covers services for the elderly and persons with disabilities, caring skills, community activities and resources for carers. Target Audience: Elderly, people with disabilities, people with mental illness, children with specific learning difficulties and their carers. Key functions of the website: 🔹 Information search Service and resource, activity information 🔹 Knowledge search Caregiver's guide, caregiving knowledge 🔹 Contact and linkage Service Information Providers' Corner 🔹 24-hour Carer Support Hotline 182 183 Answered by a professional social worker, the Hotline aims to It aims to alleviate the pressure and burden of carers in their daily life care work and to enhance their caring capacity continuously. The hotline provides immediate support to carers and refers them to mainstream welfare service units on a case-by-case basis, so that carers in need can receive follow-up services. SWD's "Carer Information Website" (👈 Click here to learn more) www.carers.hk If you want to know the latest social welfare information in Hong Kong, please stay tuned to our "Shun Yu Academy". If you have any questions or need assistance, please leave a message to our "Shun Yu Academy" and we will try our best to answer your questions and provide you with appropriate assistance. Source of information SWD's "Carers' Information Website www.carers.hk

HA's Glaucoma Treatment Collaboration Programme (GTCP) provides an option for stabilized glaucoma patients currently receiving treatment at ophthalmology specialist outpatient clinics (SOPCs) to receive private specialist medical care in the community and to choose a participating private ophthalmologist to follow up on their glaucoma condition. Target beneficiaries: Glaucoma patients who are currently receiving treatment at ophthalmology specialist outpatient clinics (SOPCs) and are in stable condition. Participation Methods: HA will send invitation letters to eligible patients in batches, and patients do not need to apply on their own. Selection Criteria: HA will invite eligible patients to participate in the Program in phases according to the date of their first glaucoma consultation at the ophthalmology specialist outpatient clinics in order of priority. 🔹 Stable condition 🔹 1 year or more from the date of follow-up consultation 🔹 Follow-up consultation at least once every 16 weeks in the past year Program Description: Each patient is entitled to up to 4 subsidized consultations per year, including specific glaucoma medications, and up to 1 visual field examination and 1 optical coherence tomography (OCT) scanning service per year by a private ophthalmologist. Fees: Participating patients are only required to pay the equivalent of HA's specialist outpatient services per visit - currently $80 per visit, $15 per drug and $80 per examination. Remarks: Recipients of Comprehensive Social Security Assistance, holders of Certificates of Full or Partial Medical Fee Waivers or recipients of Old Age Living Allowance aged 75 or above are entitled to the same fee waiver arrangements as those for HA services. Enquiries: For more information, patients are welcome to call the Program Hotline at 2300 6688 or email to glaucomappp@ha.org.hk. The hotline operates from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Monday to Saturday. For more information, please contact the above organizations. If you want to know the latest social welfare information in Hong Kong, please stay tuned to our "Sunyu Academy". If you have any questions or need assistance, please leave a message to our "Sunyu Academy" and we will try our best to answer your questions and provide you with appropriate assistance. Source: Glaucoma Treatment Collaboration Program of the Hospital Authority. https://www4.ha.org.hk/ppp/ppp-programmes/glaucomappp/programme-intro for more information: Specialist Services of the Hospital Aid Society (HAS) www.shunyuacademy.com/hk-knowledge/108 The Community Chest Cataract Surgeries Subsidy Scheme https://www.shunyuacademy.com/hk-knowledge/129 Hong Kong Adventist Hospital Cataract Surgeries Subsidy Scheme https://www.shunyuacademy.com/hk-knowledge/44

Hong Kong Adventist Hospital Charitable Foundation - Tsuen Wan Council and Hong Kong Adventist Hospital - Tsuen Wan announced on 24 October 2023 the launch of the "2023-24 Charitable Heart Disease Project", which provides full subsidy for balloon coronary angioplasty (a.k.a. "Tomobojie") to eligible patients. The program covers pre-operative consultations and required tests, Tomobayashi surgery and post-operative consultations on a first-come-first-served basis. Application Period: From October 24, 2023 to January 31, 2024 (while stocks last) Eligibility: 1. Hong Kong Permanent Resident 2. CSSA recipients or low-income earners who pass the means test of the Samaritan Fund 3. medically certified to be suffering from coronary heart disease 4. Waiting for Tombo Surgery in Hospital Authority hospitals 5. be in stable health condition (if taking medication for a long period of time, a medical report is required) 6. must have enrolled in the Hong Kong Government's "Health Link" scheme Remarks: Completion of admission on or before January 31, 2024 Assets and income calculation: Please refer to the Samaritan Fund Means-tested Income Limits (👈 click here to learn more) https://www.ha.org.hk/visitor/ha_visitor_index.asp?content_id=254525 Applicants are required to declare the Median Monthly Domestic Household Income (MMDHI) and household assets by household size. Documents required for application: 🔹 A copy of the applicant's Hong Kong Identity Card 🔹 Medical history report (if chronically ill, e.g. hypertension, diabetes, etc.) 🔹 Copy of residential address proof within the last 3 months 🔹 Copy of all bank account records for the past 12 months 🔹 Copies of follow-up certificates issued by Hospital Authority hospitals 🔹 A copy of the notification letter for "Tombo" surgery issued by Hospital Authority hospitals within the last 6 months 🔹 Copy of documentary proof of receipt of CSSA or Samaritan Fund How to apply: Complete the application form together with the required documents and submit it in the following manner. 🔹 Whatsapp: 64623292 🔹 Email: foundation@twah.org.hk Enquiries: Tel: 64623292 If you would like to know the relevant information, please feel free to contact the above organizations. If you want to know the latest social welfare information in Hong Kong, please remember to follow us closely. If you have any questions or need assistance, please feel free to leave a message to us and we will try our best to answer your questions and provide you with appropriate assistance. Source of information: Hong Kong Adventist Hospital Charitable Heart Disease Program https://www.twah.org.hk/tc/promotions/2023-24-charity-cardiac-program

In Hong Kong, there is always a shortage of messy houses, always refusing to throw away old things and constantly scavenging to bring home more waste, eventually leading to a messy home, poor sanitation and finally evolved into a "garbage house". Psychiatrists have pointed out that these behaviors may be related to hoarding. This article provides information on how to support hoarders. Hoarding is caused by a knot in the heart: Most of the hoarders have unresolved knots in their hearts due to prolonged loneliness, anxiety, and restlessness. The antidote to hoarding is to deal with emotions and internal needs. It is not advisable to help the hoarder to enforce the house on his own without professional assistance, as the environment may not be safe, and gloves and insect repellents are needed. If you only enforce the house without facing the emotional problems in your heart, you will be back to your original form very soon. Services to support hoarders: 1️⃣"Clean Up Your Mind" Hoarding Community Support Program The Salvation Army has launched the "Clean Up Your Mind" Hoarding Community Support Program since 2021. 2. people suspected to have hoarding problem 3. family members of hoarders 4. street sleepers Through outreaching home visits, home safety assessments are conducted for the behavioral offenders, and advice on home improvement and enforcement is provided. Home Care Outreach Service "Casework A case management team comprising social workers, psychologists and health care professionals will provide counseling services to persons affected by hoarding behaviors through a multi-disciplinary approach. A case management group comprising social workers, psychologists and healthcare professionals provides counseling services to people affected by hoarding behaviors. A "Hoarding" and "Completion" group A group approach is adopted to support people who have been affected by hoarding behavior and to build up mutual support networks. A "Hoarding" and "Completion" cohort group The group uses a group model to provide support to people who have experienced hoarding behavior and to build a mutual support network. "Home" and "Friends" Volunteer Service Program To organize street sleepers or community members to provide hoarding victims with hoarding services such as hoarding disposal and household pick-up as far as practicable. "National Public Education Program To utilize the power of social media to raise public awareness of hoarding in an innovative way. Provide the public with knowledge and related community resources. Application: 1. Applicants must be referred by a social worker. 2. 2. The referrer must confirm the applicant's wishes and ensure that the applicant is willing to accept the services provided by the program, and must fill out the application form accurately. (Application forms must be obtained by contacting The Salvation Army.) Service Approval: 1. Program staff will confirm the referral verbally or in writing within 21 working days of receipt of the application form. 2. 2. after the first interview and assessment by the Program Manager, service approval will be made according to the applicant's condition and needs. 3. If it is not possible to provide appropriate services to the applicant, the responsible person of the program will provide the applicant with information on social welfare services verbally or in writing. Exit from the service: 1. Service target or referral agreement is met. 2. The applicant has been out of contact for more than three months. 3. Applicant passes away 4. The applicant is uncooperative and the social worker is unable to provide services. 5. Threat to staff, volunteers or other service users Remarks: Applicants are required to notify the responsible staff verbally or in writing of their withdrawal from the service Fee: General services are free of charge, but some activities or group services are subject to a fee, please call our service for details. Enquiry: The Salvation Army Integrated Services for Street Sleepers Tel: 31885646/60321011 2️⃣ Build. Blessing Volunteer Team Main Services: 🔹 Household Cleaning Service 🔹 Bed bug extermination service 🔹 Used Furniture or Electrical Appliances Transfer Service 🔹 Simple Home Improvement Service Target: Elderly singletons or people in need Application Method: Application for service must be referred by social workers. Enquiry: Ms. KAU (whatsapp: 9609 0399) If you would like to know more about the service, please feel free to contact the above organizations. If you want to know the latest social welfare information in Hong Kong, please remember to follow us closely at "Sunyu Academy". If you have any questions or need assistance, please feel free to leave a message to us at "Sunyu Academy" and we will try our best to answer your questions and provide you with appropriate assistance. Source: The Salvation Army's "Clean Up Your Heart" - Community Support Program for People with Hoarding Behaviors https://www.facebook.com/SAHOMECSS Build. Blessing Volunteer Team https://www.buildandwish.org/

The Government's "Elderly Health Care Voucher Reward Scheme" will be launched on November 13 for a period of three years. Eligible elders who have used $1,000 or more health care vouchers for specific primary health care services in the same year will automatically be issued $500 reward vouchers, and this article organizes the information of the scheme. Eligibility: Elderly people are required to use $1,000 or more of health care vouchers in the same year for specific primary health care services, such as disease prevention and health care management, and will automatically be issued $500 bonus health care vouchers. Specific primary care services are as follows: 1️⃣ Disease prevention, follow-up or monitoring services for chronic diseases provided by Chinese and Western medicine practitioners and dentists participating in the health care voucher scheme, such as health assessments, medical check-ups, screenings, vaccinations, management of chronic diseases, dental check-ups, cleanings, extractions, fillings, and so on. 2️⃣ Chronic Disease Management Pilot Program (CDMP) hypertension and diabetes screening, and treatment phase services. 3️⃣ Individualized services and community rehabilitation programmes at district health centers or district health posts 4️⃣ Outpatient services for disease prevention, follow-up or monitoring of chronic diseases at the 11 designated clinics of the University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Hospital (HKU-SZH) and its health service centers Scope of use of the rewards: The rewards can only be used for the four specific services mentioned in the title above, excluding optometric services. Expiry date of the rewards: Each year's rewards are valid until December 31 of the following year, after which they will be forfeited. Unused rewards cannot be accumulated and the amount accumulated in the following year will be recalculated. The rewards will not be counted towards the $8,000 voucher accumulation limit. Other FAQ: 1️⃣ Can I use the rewards immediately? A: The rewards can be used the next time you receive a specific service. The system will automatically deduct the rewards (if any) before deducting the remaining balance in your voucher account. 2️⃣ How many times can I receive rewards each year? A: One time, the total amount of vouchers for eligible elderly is $2500 for the year. 3️⃣ Can I share my rewards with my spouse? A: No. 4️⃣ If I use my spouse's vouchers to pay for my healthcare, which spouse will receive the rewards? A: If the elderly person's voucher account has been depleted and the spouse's vouchers are used to pay for specific primary healthcare services, the utilization will be credited to the accumulated amount of the elderly person (i.e. the recipient of the service, not his/her spouse) for the specific primary healthcare purpose. 5️⃣ Will the use of rewards to pay for services be counted as the cumulative amount of rewards received? A: No, it will not. That is to say, if you are awarded in this year and want to receive the reward in the next year, you need to use $1,500 worth of services and pay with $1,000 health care vouchers and $500 rewards. Health Care Voucher Program Enquiry Hotline: 2838 2311 Health Care Voucher Balance Enquiry Hotline: 2838 0511 Elderly Health Care Voucher Program (👈Click here to learn more) https://www.shunyuacademy.com/hk-knowledge/121 For more information, please contact the above organizations. If you want to know the latest social welfare information in Hong Kong, please remember to follow us closely at "Shun Yu Academy". If you have any questions or need assistance, please feel free to leave a message to us at "Shun Yu Academy" and we will try our best to answer your questions and provide you with appropriate assistance. Source of information Elderly Health Care Voucher Scheme https://www.hcv.gov.hk/tc/index.html Image Source: Freepik https://reurl.cc/nL3mnD

According to SWD, from January to June 2023, the majority of elder abuse cases involved physical abuse, which accounted for 81.2% of the total number of reported cases, followed by psychological abuse and misappropriation of property. Elderly victims of abuse should seek help as soon as possible, and those who know them should encourage and accompany them to seek help. Professionals (e.g. social workers, health care workers, police officers, etc.) will respect the wishes of the elderly and use the most appropriate means to protect and help them so that the situation can be improved. On the premise of safeguarding the safety of the elderly, professionals will also help the abuser to solve his/her personal or family problems and, where circumstances permit, try their best to help the elderly and his/her family members, including the abuser, to improve their relationship. 1. Police Handling Procedures