Hong Kong NGOs and Support Services for Dysphagia Patients and Caregivers
Managing dysphagia extends well beyond the hospital. Community-level support — including meal delivery, home care, emotional support, and social work assistance — is often just as important as clinical treatment. Hong Kong has a range of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and social welfare agencies that provide services relevant to dysphagia patients and their caregivers. This page summarises key organisations, the services they offer, and how to access them.
Important notice: Information on this page is provided for reference only. Service content and subsidy eligibility may change. Please check directly with each organisation or visit their website for the most current arrangements.
Hong Kong Council of Social Service (HKCSS)
Nature: The largest umbrella body for social welfare NGOs in Hong Kong, with 400+ member agencies
Services relevant to dysphagia care:
- Care Food Endorsement Scheme: HKCSS endorses care homes and suppliers meeting IDDSI-compliant care food standards — a useful reference for care home procurement and family selection
- Residential care home database: Searchable list of licensed care homes (care and attention homes, nursing homes, care homes for the severely disabled) with contact details and service types
- NGO referral and information: HKCSS can provide enquiry referrals to member agencies and help families identify appropriate community and residential care services
How to access:
- Website: hkcss.org.hk
- Tel: 2864 2929
- Cost: Information and referral services are free; endorsement schemes are institutional in nature
Hong Kong Alzheimer’s Disease Association (HKADA)
Nature: Specialist NGO serving persons with dementia and their caregivers
Services relevant to dysphagia care:
- Caregiver training and education: Training in dementia caregiving skills, including management of eating and swallowing difficulties in the later stages
- Resource library: Guidance on dementia care at different stages, covering management of swallowing function decline
- Caregiver mutual support groups: Peer support and experience-sharing groups where caregivers can discuss swallowing-related feeding challenges
- Telephone counselling hotline: Professional support for queries relating to caring for a person with dementia
How to access:
- Website: hkada.org.hk
- Hotline: 2338 4228
- Cost: Some services free; others charged on a fee schedule; SWD subsidies available for eligible cases
HKJC Care for the Aged
Nature: A long-term care information platform funded by the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust
Services relevant to dysphagia care:
- Caregiver information resources: Guidance on common geriatric conditions including dysphagia, post-stroke rehabilitation, and dementia care
- Community services directory: Searchable database of community elderly services including meal delivery, home care and day care
- Training workshops: Periodic caregiver skills workshops; some sessions cover swallowing safety and dietary modification
How to access:
- Platform: accessible through affiliated organisation websites
- Cost: Information services are free
Tung Wah Group of Hospitals (TWGHs)
Nature: One of Hong Kong’s oldest and largest charitable organisations, providing medical, social welfare, and education services
Services relevant to dysphagia care:
- Residential care for the elderly: TWGHs operates multiple care homes, some with in-house speech therapy and care food provision
- Home care services: Integrated home care with potential referrals to community speech therapy or meal services
- Community elderly centres: TWGHs-operated neighbourhood elderly centres offer food services; some can provide modified-texture meals on request
How to access:
- Website: tungwah.org.hk
- Tel: 2859 1688
- Cost: Mix of SWD-subsidised and fee-paying services depending on the specific programme
St James’ Settlement
Nature: Hong Kong-based social welfare NGO known for elderly and vulnerable community services
Services relevant to dysphagia care:
- Elderly care services: Day care and home care with some service units offering care food or modified-texture meal arrangements
- Meal delivery: Community meal and delivery programme covering the organisation’s service areas
- Caregiver support: Counselling and respite services; caregivers can seek guidance on dysphagia-related feeding
How to access:
- Website: sjs.org.hk
- Tel: 2835 4350
- Cost: Some services SWD-subsidised; others charged
Methodist Centre
Nature: NGO providing social welfare and elderly services
Services relevant to dysphagia care:
- Elderly care: Residential care, home support and neighbourhood elderly centre services
- Meal services: Some centres operate meal delivery; soft meal options available on medical referral
- Caregiver training: Regular caregiving skills workshops
How to access:
- Website: methodist-centre.org.hk
- Tel: Contact individual service units directly
- Cost: Some SWD-subsidised; some charged
Caritas Hong Kong (Hong Kong Catholic Diocese Caritas)
Nature: One of Hong Kong’s largest NGOs providing comprehensive social welfare services
Services relevant to dysphagia care:
- Elderly residential care: Multiple care homes, nursing homes and day care centres; some with speech therapy assessment and care food support
- Home helper services: Assists elderly persons with meal preparation and daily living; referral to medical services available as needed
- Medical social work: Case counselling and community resource referrals, helping patients and caregivers navigate service applications
- Community meal programmes: Some district centres provide meal services for local elderly residents
How to access:
- Website: caritas.org.hk
- Tel: 2744 2100
- Cost: Mix of SWD-subsidised and fee-paying services
Hong Kong Family Welfare Society
Nature: Long-established social welfare organisation focusing on family and elderly services
Services relevant to dysphagia care:
- Community elderly support: Individual case services, community care and referral to link elderly dysphagia patients with relevant resources
- Home care: Home helper services to assist in cooking modified-texture meals for elderly residents
- Caregiver counselling: Emotional support and practical guidance for families caring for elderly persons with dysphagia
How to access:
- Website: hkfws.org.hk
- Tel: 2574 9149
- Cost: Most services SWD-subsidised; apply through SWD district offices
Neighbourhood Elderly Centres (NECs)
Nature: SWD-funded community centres for the elderly operated by various NGOs throughout Hong Kong
Services relevant to dysphagia care:
- Meal delivery: Many NECs operate community meal delivery schemes; some can provide modified-texture meals on medical request
- Social worker referral: Centre social workers assist with applying for elderly services including medical care, SWD meal programmes and case management
- Emotional support: Regular home visits and telephone befriending for isolated elderly persons and their caregivers
How to access:
- Search for the Neighbourhood Elderly Centre or Neighbourhood Support Scheme serving the patient’s home district
- SWD district offices can provide contact details for local NECs
- SWD elderly services hotline: 2343 2255
- Cost: Most services SWD-subsidised; free or low-cost to eligible residents
Senior Citizen Home Safety Association (SCHSA)
Nature: NGO focused on emergency response and support for elderly persons living alone
Services relevant to dysphagia care:
- Personal emergency response system (PERS / “Peace Phone”): Emergency call device for elderly dysphagia patients living alone or at risk of falls
- Telephone befriending: Regular telephone contact with isolated elderly persons; immediate referral available for health emergencies
- Escort and community support: Some programmes provide escort to medical appointments, including speech therapy follow-up visits
How to access:
- Website: schsa.org.hk
- Hotline: 2382 0000
- Cost: PERS subscription involves a monthly fee; SWD subsidies available for eligible persons
Hong Kong Red Cross (Home Care Services)
Nature: Hong Kong Red Cross provides multiple community and humanitarian services
Services relevant to dysphagia care:
- Home care services: Provides home nursing and personal care for patients with special medical needs, including elderly persons with dysphagia
- Care worker training: Basic nursing and caregiving skills training; some courses cover safe feeding and aspiration prevention
- Medical equipment loan: Some programmes offer loan of nursing and assistive equipment
How to access:
- Website: redcross.org.hk
- Tel: 2802 0021
- Cost: Some services are fee-paying; enquire about low-income exemption arrangements
How to Access Community Services: General Process
- Identify needs: Obtain a formal assessment from the hospital speech-language pathologist or medical social worker covering the patient’s dysphagia level and community support requirements
- Medical social worker referral: Ask the hospital medical social worker (MSW) to refer to the SWD or relevant NGO before discharge
- SWD district office application: Some services (e.g., IHCS) require an application and needs assessment at the SWD district office
- Direct NGO contact: Some NGOs accept direct enquiries and applications without a prior referral
- Bridging arrangements while waiting: SWD services may have waiting lists; private or NGO services can be arranged as an interim measure
Tip: The hospital medical social worker (MSW) is the critical bridge between hospital and community services. Always request a meeting with the MSW before discharge to identify which services to apply for.
Information on this page is compiled by softmeal.org for reference purposes only and does not constitute an endorsement or guarantee. Please verify service details directly with each organisation. Last updated: May 2026.