Hiring a domestic helper for elderly care: costs and arrangements
When parents still wish to stay at home, hiring a foreign domestic helper for daily care is a common alternative to a care home. Beyond the statutory minimum wage there are food, insurance, the Employees Retraining Levy and agency fees. Understanding the costs and arrangements early makes home care more sustainable and closer to your elder's wishes.
Roughly how much per month?
Main costs include: the statutory Minimum Allowable Wage (currently about HK$5,000/month, per the Labour Department), food or a food allowance, employees' compensation and medical insurance, and the monthly-apportioned Employees Retraining Levy. With one-off agency fees and the helper's airfare, the real monthly total is usually higher than the minimum wage itself.
- Minimum Allowable Wage: currently about HK$5,000/month (per the Labour Department).
- Food: provide meals or a food allowance.
- Insurance: employees' compensation and medical.
- Levy and agency: Employees Retraining Levy, agency and arrival costs.
The minimum wage and levy are adjusted from time to time; follow the Labour Department.
What level of care suits a helper?
A helper suits elders who are fairly self-caring and mainly need daily-living support (cooking, cleaning, escorting to appointments, basic care). If an elder needs professional nursing (tube feeding, complex medication, severe dementia), extra professional care or a care home may be needed. Assess the elder's health and needs first.
Matching the care level matters; consult medical or social-work advice if needed.
What to note before hiring
- Contract and duties: clearly set out the scope of work, rest days and accommodation.
- Care skills: for elderly care, prefer helpers with relevant experience or training.
- Communication and adjustment: language and cultural differences take time — family should support.
- Backup arrangements: cover for when the helper is on leave or resigns.
Hiring a helper carries statutory employer duties; refer to Labour Department and Immigration Department guidance.
Fold care costs into retirement planning
Whether a home helper or a care home, long-term care is an ongoing cost to budget for. Folding your parents' (or your own) potential care needs and costs into retirement cash-flow and cover planning early reduces sudden financial pressure later. See long-term care and planning for parents.
General education only, not personalised advice; costs and rules follow official sources.
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Frequently asked questions
Roughly how much does a helper for elderly care cost per month?
Beyond the current Minimum Allowable Wage of about HK$5,000/month, there's food, employees' compensation and medical insurance, the Employees Retraining Levy, and one-off agency and arrival costs — so the real monthly total is usually higher. Amounts follow the Labour Department.
Can a helper care for an elder needing professional nursing?
A helper suits daily-living care; if an elder needs professional nursing (complex medication, severe dementia), extra professional care or a care home may be needed. Assess care needs first.
What are the employer's duties?
Under the standard employment contract you must provide wages, food (or allowance), accommodation and rest days, buy employees' compensation and medical insurance, and pay the relevant levy. Follow Labour Department and Immigration Department guidance.
What if the helper is on leave or resigns?
Arrange backup care in advance — family rota, short-term carers or community care services — to avoid a gap. Include this in the overall care plan.
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