Home Accessibility Renovation on a Budget: A Guide to Housing Society and Jockey Club Subsidy Schemes

Worried about the high costs of creating a safe home environment for elderly family members or wheelchair users? By making good use of the subsidy schemes offered by the Hong Kong Housing Society (HKHS) and The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, installing handrails, ramps, and motion-sensor lights at low cost is entirely achievable—easily enhancing home safety and enabling ageing in place.

Housing Society: One‑Stop Home Support and Free Modifications

Through its "Happy at Home" Ageing in Place Programme and the "Housing Society Friends" team, the HKHS provides comprehensive support for elderly residents in 20 of its rental estates. The team arranges for occupational therapists to conduct professional home environment assessments and offers recommendations on home modifications or the addition of assistive devices. Should residents require accessible modifications to their flats as they age, the HKHS will arrange site inspections and carry out the necessary changes free of charge wherever feasible. In addition, the HKHS's "Elderly Resources Centre" offers free consultancy services on home modifications, helping seniors live with greater peace of mind.

Jockey Club: Community Support and Gerontechnology Leasing

The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, on the other hand, supports elderly individuals in need at the community level. Its "Jockey Club Joyful Elderly Track Community Support Scheme" proactively reaches out to elderly persons living alone or with limited support, providing home environment improvement services that include simple home repairs, replacement of assistive equipment, and accessibility enhancement works. Eligible seniors can apply through referrals from social workers at welfare organisations. Meanwhile, the Jockey Club's "a家" Gerontechnology Education and Rental Service allows those in need to rent gerontechnology equipment—such as motion‑sensor lights and walking aids—at affordable rates, flexibly meeting both short‑term and long‑term requirements.

Conclusion

Whether living in public housing, rental estates, or private buildings, elderly individuals can find suitable support from the above schemes. By making the most of these community resources, you can achieve an accessible home at low cost, ensuring your loved ones live safely and comfortably.