Gov’t adds 200 new beds in elderly homes

The government has expanded elderly care services, adding 200 new beds in elderly homes in the Northern District in 2024, along with 45 new spaces in daycare services.

In a reply to lawmaker Lo Choi In, the Social Welfare (IAS) bureau director Wilson Hoi Wai stated that this initiative is aimed at addressing the growing demand for elderly care as the population continues to age.

These additions bring the total number of elderly home beds in Macau to approximately 2,700, and the total number of daycare service spaces to 500.

In addition to the 200 new beds, the government plans to add another 1,100 beds in elderly care facilities in the East Zone-2 area as part of its long-term strategy to meet the needs of an aging population.

According to IAS, these facilities will incorporate a diversified operational model designed to pilot innovative approaches to elderly care.

Regarding land use for future facilities, the Land, Public Works, and Transport Bureau (DSSOPT) has confirmed it will follow the guidelines outlined in the Urban Planning Law and the 2020-2040 Macao Master Plan.

The bureau emphasized that land use applications will be processed according to the existing Land Law.

In the same reply, IAS also mentioned that it has continued to assess the staffing needs of elderly care services, having raised subsidies for staff in subsidized care facilities by 3% in January 2024.

Furthermore, the introduction of aging-friendly technologies and enhancements to the Central Provident Fund system are expected to improve service quality and reduce staff workloads.

“Through collaboration agreements with operating entities, we have established standard staffing configurations to ensure adequate staffing and funding,” Wai noted.

Meanwhile, the government is preparing a 10-year action plan for elderly services, focusing on health, smart technologies, and creating elderly-friendly environments to ensure that the region’s elderly population receives the care it needs in the future.

“The next phase of the elderly services action plan will be based on a comprehensive approach, considering population growth, social conditions, and land and financial resources,” said the official.