Piloting empowerment-based social policy: voucher and carer allowance schemes in hong kong

Abstract

A new paradigm moving towards empowerment-based social policy for eldercare is taking place in Asia. In Hong Kong, several pilot projects were started to create the necessary conditions for the paradigm shift, including a community care service voucher (CCSV) scheme, a residential care service voucher scheme, and a scheme on living allowance for carers of the elderly persons from low income families. Using mixed methods approach (focus groups with service providers, surveys with participants, analysis of administrative data), we investigated the viability and impacts of these pilot schemes as a new funding mode, with a “money follows the user” approach to shape eldercare using market force and leveraging on Hong Kong’s advantage of strong family tie. Results from interim analysis of the CCSV pilot scheme suggested improved self-rated health and quality of life among the participants, reduced caregivers burden, and appreciation of positive changes by service providers despite set-up challenges.