Housing authorities expand use of smart technologies to support elderly
Government installing door sensors, in-home fall detectors and stair climbers at more public housing estates
Hong Kong’s housing authorities will expand the use of smart technologies, such as door sensors, in-home fall detectors and stair climbers, to enhance safety and convenience for elderly residents at public estates as the city’s population ages.
Michael Hong Wing-kit, deputy director of housing overseeing estate management, said a pilot scheme to install sensors, which track door activity and send alerts, in public flats with elderly occupants would be expanded to include Tung Wui Estate in Wong Tai Sin and Tin Yan Estate in Tin Shui Wai.
Under a separate initiative, indoor fall detectors will be fitted in about 200 households where elderly people live alone or with just a spouse.
The devices, which can also detect periods of prolonged inactivity, can automatically connect to a 24-hour care-on-call centre.
To help the elderly and those with mobility impairments, stair climbers will be introduced at public estates. The aids were tested by suppliers at Yau Oi Estate and Lok Fu Estate starting in January.
Hong noted that last year’s policy address highlighted a strategy of “ageing in place” as a core element, with institutional care as a backup, adding that authorities would do more to build an age-friendly community.