Are smart homes with sensor technology the answer to Hong Kong’s ageing population problem?
Association will run pilot programme in the homes of 1,000 senior citizens, and hopes to bring innovation to masses by 2020
Smart homes with sensor technology linked to round-the-clock emergency call centres could prevent major accidents for the elderly, as the city ages and grapples with an overwhelmed public hospital sector.
The Senior Citizen Home Safety Association, a social enterprise offering 24-hour emergency services for the elderly, is launching a two-year pilot scheme. Under the plan, the homes of 1,000 senior citizens will be installed with sensory devices by the end of the year.
The HK$22 million project sponsored by HSBC, features a show flat at the association headquarters in Ho Man Tin with smart devices connected to a 24-hour call centre.
The show flat demonstrates how a home installed with motion and voice-activated sensors could make a difference in providing timely help for the elderly. Sensors can detect fire or smoke in an overheated kitchen and flooding in the bathroom, as well as monitor blood pressure levels.
When activated, the devices prompt a call from the association to check on the elderly occupant, a caregiver or building management. As a last resort in case all calls are unanswered, the police will be notified.